House in Santarém / dp Arquitectos

Completed in 2020 by Portuguese architecture firm dp Arquitectos, the House in Santrém overlooks Portugal’s countryside. Defined as a collection of minimal volumes and elevations to create an intimate private space, the dwelling is distinctively divided into service areas along the Northern perimeter, private areas such as bedrooms along the South Facade, and social spaces in-between.

House in Santarém Technical Information

Architects: dp Arquitectos.
Main Architect: Diamantino Pinho
Location: Santarém, Portugal
Topics: Sandstone, Courtyards, Portuguese Houses
Area: 287 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: © Ivo Tavares Studio

In its outer appearance, the house is perceived with smooth and sharp edges but softened with its sandstone-colored palette, which makes the house invisible from afar.

House in Santarém Photographs

Text by the Architects

The property is organized with a service area on the Northside, a social area in the center, and a bedroom area on the other end, all facing the generous patio with a swimming pool. Privacy is one of the worked topics in the demanding task of harmonizing the built-in territory.

The search for simplicity is a complex process.

– dp Arquitectos

The volumes and elevations are organized as a visual reference on the main road axis of the allotment. Contrary to the other lots’ thankless strategy, the pre-existing trees are defended, with their valuable shade under the intense heat of the Ribatejo.

Comfort and simplicity of living are desired without hurting the will of the design. The search for simplicity is a complex process.