In the serene landscape of Sabóia, Odemira, emerges the Torquines de Cima Country House, a project that exemplifies the seamless integration of modern architecture into a rural setting. Completed in 2023 and spanning a generous 400 m², this house, designed by Ines Regato of Ines Regato Arquitectura, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of housing and tourism in architecture.
Torquines de Cima Technical Information
- Architects: Inês Regato – Architecture, Interiors and Design
- Location: Saboia, Odemira, Portugal
- Topics: Portuguese Houses
- Area: 400 m2
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Garcês
The building, set on a 5-hectare rural landscape, respects its pre-existing structure’s memory, merging housing and tourism in a design that uses the site’s topography to articulate social and private areas, and connects the interior with the exterior through traditional and modern elements.
– Inês Regato
Torquines de Cima Country House Photographs
Rustic Elegance Redefined: The Torquines de Cima Country House
Located on a vast 5-hectare plot, the house replaced a deteriorated structure, inheriting the memory and form of its predecessor. This new edifice embraces a dual purpose: providing a private residence and catering to tourism. It achieves this through its innovative layout, which includes a central T4 typology and two T1 typologies at each end.
Regato’s design philosophy is evident in the building’s volumetry. Respecting the site’s irregular topography, the structure unfolds in two levels. This design choice not only respects but also enhances the natural landscape, offering distinct zones for social and private activities within the residence.
The choice of materials is a nod to both durability and local craftsmanship. The building’s skeleton, made of reinforced concrete and hollow brick masonry, provides a sturdy foundation. Polished concrete floors add a modern touch, ensuring fluidity throughout the spaces. The highlight, however, is the carpentry, executed by local artisans employing traditional techniques, adding a unique character to the house.
The Torquines de Cima Country House stands out for its profound connection with the surroundings. Vertical openings throughout the building create a dialogue between the interior and the exterior, reminiscent of traditional constructions in the area. Open patios intermittently dot the landscape, enhancing natural ventilation and light, thus contributing to the house’s thermal and energy efficiency.
In essence, the Torquines de Cima Country House is more than just a structure; it’s a modern architectural statement that respects and enhances its rural setting. The project not only accommodates the functional needs of housing and tourism but does so in a way that is sympathetic to its environment. Its design, rooted in the memory of the past, reinterprets traditional forms in a contemporary language, making it a significant addition to the architectural landscape of Sabóia, Odemira.
House Plans
Torquines de Cima Country House Image Gallery
About Ines Regato
Inês Regato, born in 1984, is a Portuguese architect founder of Inês Regato – Architecture, Interiors and Design. Educated at Faculdade de Arquitectura Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, she has carved a niche in creating bespoke residential and hotel projects, particularly in Lisbon. Her designs, known for their exquisite attention to detail and love for natural materials, reflect her broader interests in music, fashion, and the arts. Regato’s work stands out for its unique, client-centric approach, blending functionality with an elegant simplicity.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Architects: Ines Regato
