Portugal's beach house showcases a modern layout with multiple interior levels for comfortable living.
Nestled along the Atlantic coast in Matosinhos, Portugal, Casa Lavra boasts a captivating fusion of interior and exterior forms courtesy of WER Studio. This modern residence, spanning 184 square meters with an additional 70 square meters of open space on the rooftop deck, was carefully crafted to maximize breathtaking ocean views.
The house is strategically positioned on a deep yet narrow plot parallel to the beach. To optimize sea vistas, the design was inverted, placing bedrooms and an office on the ground level, while social areas reside on the upper floor and the rooftop deck. The stacked structure is visually represented through the layered facade, featuring a combination of concrete and steel, contrasted by wooded wraparound benches on the upper levels.
The core of the residence is defined by a staircase made of traditional clay bricks, standing alongside clay-brick floors and steel cable balustrades on the upper floors. The residence's exterior clay brick work is evident from the street entrance, imparting a solid, grounded character.
The architectural team intentionally highlights the concrete and steel structure throughout Casa Lavra, from the shuttered concrete ceiling slab in the main living space to the sleek I-beam traversing the covered balcony. The house's Brazilian influences are subtly present, particularly in the multitude of surface finishes, including terracotta, terrazzo, and distinctive formwork patterns.
Reflecting the warm Portuguese climate, the main living space can be fully opened on two sides, permitting ample cross-ventilation during hot summers. Subtle curtain tracks were artfully integrated into the concrete ceilings, allowing diaphanous materials to filter light and shield against insects and prying eyes. Aluminum framed windows secure cooler months.
Wrapped around the living room and rooftop pavilion is a series of wooden benches that also function as guardrails. On the lower level, bedrooms feature wooden shutters, serving both privacy and heat reduction purposes, utilizing moisture-resistant Accoya wood to combat the humidity of the seaside environment.
Casa Lavra's exterior glass on the bathroom doors features a textured pattern, updating and reinterpreting traditional elements. meticulously designed storage solutions and cabinetry are specifically created for the residence. The colder months receive underfloor heating, while ample opening windows eliminate the need for mechanical air conditioning in the summer.
Lastly, the pièce de résistance of Casa Lavra, the expansive rooftop deck hosts a built-in pool overlooking the beach, making the property a year-round sanctuary for its owners. With its adept blend of modern design elements and natural surroundings, Casa Lavra showcases an impressive example of contemporary beach house architecture[1].
The interior design of Casa Lavra incorporates a combination of modern features, such as the sleek I-beam traversing the covered balcony, and traditional elements, like the staircase made of clay bricks, to reflect the house's Brazilian influences. The layout of the house, with social areas on the upper floor and bedrooms on the ground level, is intended to optimize lifestyle choices and maximize breathtaking ocean views, also enhancing home-and-garden integration through the rooftop deck with a built-in pool.
