Located in Oeiras, Portugal, Oeiras House by OODA is designed in response to its site’s topography. The design integrates the home into the landscape through a semi-buried structure that follows the natural terrain. The westward slope presented a challenge due to limited access to natural light. The U-shaped layout addresses this by maximizing daylight exposure and creating sheltered outdoor spaces. This orientation ensures privacy while maintaining openness within the property.
Oeiras House Technical Information
- Architects1-4: OODA
- Location: Oeiras, Portugal
- Area: 350 m2 | 3,760 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2018 – 2024
- Photographs: © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Topography as the raw material of the architectural object.
– OODA Architects
Oeiras House Photographs
Architectural Composition: Form, Materiality, and Spatial Flow
Oeiras House is defined by a U-shaped courtyard, which organizes space and provides a connection between private and communal areas.
The house aligns with the slope, preserving ceiling heights and spatial openness. The design approach prioritizes adaptation to the site rather than imposing a rigid form.
The upper volume is constructed from concrete, chosen for its structural efficiency. A high-spanning beam eliminates the need for internal supports, allowing for open-plan interiors. The lower portion incorporates timber, creating a contrast in texture and warmth.
Large glass surfaces connect the interior with the exterior. The central courtyard and pool function as visual and spatial anchors, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Craftsmanship and Interior Design
The interior design uses natural materials such as wood and stone to extend the architectural principles. The continuity between exterior and interior materials reinforces spatial cohesion.
Custom-designed furniture and built-in storage optimize space without disrupting the overall composition. The design balances functionality with spatial clarity.
Oeiras House integrates its architectural form with the landscape, responding to the site’s topography rather than imposing upon it.
The house remains a case study in integrating site-specific conditions with spatial organization. Its engagement with the landscape and material contrasts provides a reference for architects exploring similar design challenges.
Oeiras House Image Gallery
About OODA
Diogo Brito, Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, and Francisco Lencastre are the founding partners of OODA (Oporto Office for Design and Architecture), a forward-thinking architectural studio based in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. Established with a philosophy rooted in contextual sensitivity and innovative design solutions, OODA embraces a multidisciplinary approach that merges traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital methodologies. The firm’s work spans many scales, from residential projects to large-scale urban interventions, always prioritizing a balance between form, function, and environmental integration.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Lead Architects: Diogo Brito, Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, Francisco Lencastre
- Additional Design Team Members: João Jesus, Julião Pinto Leite
- Structural and Civil Engineering: TEKK, A3R Lda
- Landscape Design: P4
