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The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The architect favoured materials that blend in with the colours of the landscape and offer durability in the harsh climate. Facades are clad in Kebony Clear treated pine, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The grey concrete swimming pool is flanked by a wide pine deck, with loungers and teak deck chairs from Fritz Hansen’s Skagerak collection. Sheltered by a concrete cantilevered overhang, the terrace provides a pleasantly shaded space for alfresco meals in the summer heat. The teak Illum table with a ceramic top is from Tribù, and the metal Arholma chairs are from Skargaarden. -
The use of natural colours was essential in this project. Local slate and deep-grey concrete are complemented by the warmth of the Kebony Clear wood. -
The use of natural colours was essential in this project. Local slate and deep-grey concrete are complemented by the warmth of the Kebony Clear wood. -
A large dining table by Flores is surrounded by Karnak chairs and stools by E15, and illuminated by a travertine-and-brass Lipari pendant from Garnier & Linker. At the back, a metal cabinet by Flores is clad in tapestry fronts made by deFio. -
Spacious and functional, the kitchen is ideal for gatherings. A central island features a bar area with lacquered wooden stools by Vico Magistretti. All furniture and joinery were custom-made in Kebony Clear wood. -
The main lounge area takes in the views of the Alentejo landscape with a 35-metre-wide window. A curved sofa by Pierre Augustin Rose is paired with a vintage coffee table from Galeria Bessa Pereira and vintage armchairs from Barracuda Interiors. The pouf and rug are by Flores. -
The second lounge features custom sofas, cushions and ceramic poufs by Flores. The artwork on the wall is by Nicolas Lefeuvre. -
A cosy reading corner in front of an off-shutter concrete fireplace combines a vintage coffee table in blackened wood with a pair of vintage armchairs. The collection of ceramics is by Raisin Ceramic. -
Each of the six bedrooms enjoys access to the terrace that runs the length of the building, and the unforgettable views. -
Bathed in light, the bathrooms feature Azulima azulejo tiles, Kebony Clear vanity units, and bespoke stone basins and tapware by Fantini. -
A large mirror in the master bathroom brings the vegetation indoors. -
A guest bedroom features Couleur Chanvre bed linen and a RICE by Marta Mantero throw. -
The master bathroom opens entirely to the outdoors, with an olive tree providing shade and lush vegetation for privacy.
Reached by a dirt road, this sleek Portuguese home blends bright volumes of concrete, wood and glass with interiors full of unique pieces made by local craftsmen. There’s a simplicity to both the structure and the interiors that masks the thought and consideration behind the design.
WORDS Laurence Dougier PHOTOS Nicolas Mathéus
The stars begin to fade, and a softness envelopes the sky in the hilly Alentejo landscape. Dawn is magical here. Towards the east, light pierces the sky like an arrow; a few minutes later, the sun washes across the pastures and the cork oak groves. At this time, this contemporary building seems to awaken, vibrating under a golden glow that’s echoed by the wood cladding on the facade and interior walls.
Cleverly concealed in the rural landscape, the home designed by Lisbon-based architect Gonçalo Bonniz blends into the hills thanks to its chromatic hues of grey slate, raw concrete and Kebony timber, which frame the huge windows. Anything that’s superfluous has been removed from the structure and pared back to the essentials, lightening the form to emphasise the substance (To explore other architectural gems in Portugal, visit our Portuguese architecture collection).
The interiors were designed by Emma Pucci and Valentina Pilia, founders of the textile showroom and design studio Flores, also based in Portugal’s capital city. “We first defined a colour palette for the project,” say Emma and Valentina. “The tones were inspired by the warm earth hues and ochres of the Alentejo, the old cork oaks and their bark, and Verdigris; we also used off-white and cream.”
This first step involved selecting materials, with a brief to be as natural, simple and local as possible, and to avoid anything artificial. Choosing the actual decor came later, with the idea of “a communion with nature” always top of mind. As a result, each object and each piece of furniture has been carefully thought through. “The challenge was to use materials and know-how that are emblematic of Portugal, but with a contemporary angle – so we chose timeless pieces that we’d like in our own homes.”
Employing age-old techniques, the best local craftsmen were used extensively in the fitout of the house, creating everything from solid-wood tables and junco lampshades (a material usually used for baskets) to a unique colour range for the crockery. They also used flax linen – easy to source, as the local weaver’s husband grows it, picks it and processes it in his garden. Same goes for the wool: it comes from the neighbour’s sheep and is dyed naturally with avocado or onion. The narrative of nature as inspiration was further followed with fabric poufs filled with granules of local cork, occasional tables in glazed ceramics, and reworked traditional Portuguese Arraiolos rugs.
The decor serves to warm up the serene, almost monastic architecture, adding a soothing atmosphere. A large common area allows for moments to be shared with family and friends, with the six simply decorated rooms that lead off it maintaining the sense of cosiness. “The minimalist, frugal spirit favours a demanding simplicity,” say the two interior designers.
The kitchen, with its central island, is designed to accommodate a chef as well as guests, and a large dining table and two lounges complete the living spaces. Everything has been considered to encourage interaction, with the idea of unwinding, and of focusing on substance. In spring, for example, the owner favours meditative retreats (so a yoga room is available). In summer, he offers cooking classes using vegetables from the garden. A spring on the property provides irrigation for the orchard and the vegetable gardens, which are cultivated following permaculture methods.
In this natural setting, as vast as it is impressive, the colour palette of the landscape comes alive with the seasons: populated by yellow flowers in spring, arid in summer, and grey and chilly in winter. It’s a constant passage of time that invites contemplation and stillness. “And there’s no contemplation more beautiful than the constant movement of colour in these fields,” say Emma and Valentina. florestextilestudio.com | gbarquitectos.pt
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