Despite its simplicity and lack of architectural erudition, the Candeias house remains an example of the central themes of Traditional and Vernacular Architecture from Algarve. With a rectangular, single-story layout, the white volume is built using regional construction techniques and materials, from the whitewashed walls made of limestone masonry to the roof made of wooden beams covered with ceramic barrel tiles.
In the new project, the internal organization is designed around an axis that is perpendicular to the East-facing façade. We enter the house through a white-painted metal door, which leads us to the structural core that houses the staircase to the first floor. This core effectively distributes and orients the bedrooms toward the East and South. The upper floor features social spaces, including the living room, kitchen, and patio.
The structure also separates the living room from the kitchen. From this area, we can access the patio, which is a hallmark of Mediterranean architecture. This open space helps regulate and enhance the home's microclimate, offering a protected area away from public view while also providing access to the rooftop terrace. From this “lookout,” one can observe the city wall, surrounding urban areas, streets, and the everyday life of Loulé.
Loulé, Portugal | Private | Housing | 91m2 | Renders by Duarte Rosa | Photography by Bárbara Monteiro