design et al would like to congratulate ARQUI + for their latest shortlist success at the International Design and Architecture Awards 2015.
Villa D is a private villa situated in Quinta do Lago, surrounded by a golf course and amazing greenery. The importance of the surroundings, limits and the scale of the plot was the starting point of the project.
The topography and vegetation was kept as natural as possible and the volumes of the house were adapted in a constant relation with the surroundings, aiming to have the less earth movements as possible. The relation between function and proportion was explored, resulting in actual compartmentalisation of the spaces whilst maintaining a close relation with the surroundings. The fusion between interior and exterior is always present, framing important elements of the site with openings that define the façades. The relation with the exterior is not only visual but functional as well.
The proposed volumes adapted consciously a contemporary image, integrating an ecological consciousness, by the use of local materials (wood,stone) and passive sun protection with architectural elements that are integrated in the architecture of the villa. The villa has a clear divide between private and social areas, where each space frames an important aspect from the surrounding landscape. The entrance is made by the ground floor, together with the other social areas: Kitchen, Living space,etc. The 1st floor is entirely dedicated to the private areas: bedrooms, dressing areas and bathrooms. Finally at the top of the house, there is the roof terrace which has an amazing top view towards the golf course and a rooftop pool.
