House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

Portuguese architect João Branco has revamped a cluster of farm buildings and animal pens to create a weekend retreat for a family in Portugal’s Sierra de Janeanes district (+ slideshow).

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The renovated house is contained within the rustic stone walls of the old agricultural structures and sheltered beneath a traditional clay-tile roof.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The ground floor of the building steps up and down to adjust to the hilly terrain, grouping the house into four different zones. There’s also a new corridor that forms an axis across the length of the plan.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

“The usual program of a single-family house is organised so that each space can be used with a degree of intimacy and independence,” said the architect.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The largest room of the house is a central living area with a double-height ceiling, exposed stone walls and a combined stove and seating area.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

In contrast, the mezzanine floor above is surrounded by wooden floors, surfaces and furniture, and is used by residents as a library. A long desk runs along one side, creating a balcony study space with enough room to seat several people.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

A total of five bedrooms are arranged in two groups, positioned at opposite ends of the house. Each has direct access to one of two new courtyards, plus bathrooms are located alongside.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The main dining room and kitchen sit alongside one another in one corner of the building, but also lead out to an outdoor dining area at the highest point of the site.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

There’s also an outdoor swimming pool that offers views out towards the distant mountains.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

“Throughout the work process the idea of contrast and surprise was always present,” added Branco. “An exterior that mimics the stony and massive surroundings is very distinct from the sober and very illuminated interior that offers a delicate unexpected encounter in contrast with the rough brutality of the circumambient.”

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

Other renovated Portuguese houses on Dezeen include a former poet’s house turned into a writers’ retreat and a stable building converted into a holiday home. See more houses in Portugal »

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

Photography is by Do Mal o Menos.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

Here’s a project description from the architect:


House in Serra de Janeanes

The access area of this site is a welcoming space as the existing buildings and stone walls convert it in a confined and shady location. As you course along westward, the slope to reach the highest part of the garden is considerable. At this point, stripped of limits, the distant mountains are the only horizon.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The task consisted in converting the agricultural use buildings in a weekend home for a four generation family. Thus, the usual program of a single-family house: living room, dining room, kitchen and five bedrooms, is organised so that each space can be used with a degree of intimacy and independence. To this program was also requested the addition of a library.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The main areas of the house occupy the old corrals – four stony and dark volumes, with very occasional openings, adjacent amongst but with no communication between them, located at different levels and following the slope of the land with North orientation.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The project proposes two fundamental operations: first a new longitudinal axis that cuts across the various existing buildings, like a corridor carved in stone that unites the various spaces. Secondly, two new patios enable natural light to reach the innermost parts of the house.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco

The work is completed with an exterior dining area and a swimming pool located near the existing barn floor at the upper part of the land, taking advantage of the best views and most advantageous sun exposure. Throughout the work process the idea of contrast and surprise was always present. An exterior that mimics the stony and massive surroundings is very distinct from the sober and very illuminated interior that offers a delicate unexpected encounter in contrast with the rough brutality of the circumambient.

House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco
First floor plan – click for larger image
House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco
Long and cross sections – click for larger image

The post House in Serra de Janeanes
by João Branco
appeared first on Dezeen.

No Responses to “House in Serra de Janeanes by João Branco”

Post a Comment