Villa Além

Location: Alentejo, 3400, Portugal

Architect: Valerio Olgiati

Material: Concrete

Completion date: 2014

Architect: Valerio Olgiati

Photographs: Archive Olgiati

Story:

Text provided by the architects:

The climate is mild and dry. The primary intention here is to create a secluded garden. The surrounding walls are up to five and a half meters high to provide the necessary shade and the entire impression created is one of a desert, dry, stony, and dusty. Everything is constructed from slightly reddish, in situ concrete.

The character of the complex is chiefly defined by the surrounding walls, which create the impression of petals that close and open towards the sky. The dwelling itself is invisible and develops across a single floor behind the surrounding walls.

The living room is located at the end of a strict axis leading from north to south. It overlooks the pool and offers a view through the southern door in the garden wall across a flat and empty landscape. A curved hallway allows the inhabitants to retreat into shadows and into the introverted private rooms.

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