Inside Um para Um Studio’s Elegant Hillside Retreat

This elegant residence in Mundão, Viseu, designed by the Um para Um studio, showcases a harmonious integration of architecture and landscape. Set on a steeply sloped plot that ascends from Campo da Bola Street, the home is oriented west to east, capturing optimal natural light while establishing a seamless connection to its surrounding outdoor space. The design emphasizes privacy, with the east-facing layout directing all primary living areas toward a tranquil garden, complete with a pool and barbecue area. The captivating visuals of this project have been captured by photographer Ivo Tavares, whose work highlights the home’s thoughtful spatial flow and materiality.

The challenging topography of the plot influenced the home’s layout, resulting in a structure that rises naturally with the land. This approach allowed the Um para Um studio to create an intimate setting, where the house turns its focus away from the street and towards the lush garden. The design provides a sense of enclosure and seclusion, promoting a family-friendly environment that is equally suitable for entertaining and relaxation.

Material selections in the project were carefully chosen to ensure durability and warmth. Reinforced concrete provides a robust structure, endowing the home with a timeless solidity. Natural wood slats, used both indoors and out, soften this structural base, blending with the surrounding landscape to create a welcoming atmosphere. These materials illustrate a balance between strength and warmth that embodies the studio’s vision of a modern yet inviting home.

The interplay of natural light is a defining feature of the residence, with expansive glazed openings, skylights, and a central patio that invite sunlight to play across surfaces throughout the day. This dynamic lighting enhances the tranquil ambiance of the home, fostering a serene retreat that responds to the changing seasons. Tavares’ images capture these lighting variations beautifully, bringing the home’s architectural nuances to life and showcasing its role as a refuge within nature.

The layout is organized with clear functional distinctions between social and private spaces. On the ground floor, essential service areas such as the garage and laundry are complemented by an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. This level also includes an office, catering to the needs of contemporary living. An exterior patio divides the garage from the main living areas, creating a quiet, open-air retreat within the home.

Upstairs, the private quarters provide a serene escape, with each bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom and direct access to an east-facing balcony overlooking the pool. The master suite offers added luxury with a walk-in closet and private balcony, allowing for both comfort and seclusion. Ivo Tavares’ photographs of these spaces capture the thoughtful design and tranquil views that complete The Um para Um studio’s vision, making this residence a refined, private retreat that combines modern design with natural surroundings.

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