Incorporating The New Into The Old

© Leonardo Finotti

Located in Óbidos, Portugal this home sets its self apart from the surrounding homes. This home is painted a clean white, and boasts colored windows. The home was constructed in 2008 by Ricardo Bak Gordon Architects. (ABOVE) The home contrasts beautifully with the red clay tiled roofs of the surrounding homes. I love that this home has its own identity and does not copy the typical homes of this region in Portugal. (BELOW 1) At the rear of the home, one can view the multicolored windows. The windows add a pop of color. I like how this newer home moves into the older homes with the red clay tiles. (BELOW 2) Possibly the coolest pool I have ever seen. I love how half of the image displays the pool and the other half displays the pool deck. The older structure to the left of the image adds stunning contrast against the white pool deck. 

© Leonardo Finotti
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© Leonardo Finotti
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Portugal's Villa Extramuros

© Adrià Goula

Built and designed by Vora Arquitectura in Portugal, this stunning 2011 modern home reaches all the right heights. Much of the architecture surrounding this home is heavily influenced by the Neolithic period. The architecture of the home moves forward, however, still has certain influences of that time and style. (ABOVE) Walking up to the home you are immediately taken back by the shear size and weight of the structure. It has a solid look, and many hard right angles. The minimal landscaping keeps with the architecture of the home. The large window to the left of the front entrance opens. You really feel like you're bringing a piece of the outdoors inside. (BELOW 1) The home is built around a central courtyard. I'm a huge fan of courtyards. It's a great way of connecting the home, and making each space very accessible. (BELOW 2) Rooms on the second floor are connected by a large breezeway. The contrast in materials creates much visual interest. Walking the breezeway one can look onto the central courtyard. (BELOW 3) A large balcony above the front entrance allows one to soak in the view and architecture. A large central cut separates the upper and lower levels of the structure. This creates a "peak hole", very cool. (BELOW 4) The home is set on wonderfully landscaped grounds. How gorgeous are those trees on opposite sides of the walkway. The pool is fabulous! What do you think of Villa Extramuros? 

© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Alexandre Gempeler
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The Casa Em Aldoar

http://toposatelier.com/casa-em-aldoar/

http://toposatelier.com/casa-em-aldoar/

The Casa Em Aldoar was designed and built in 2011 by the Topos Ateilier de Architecture group in Porto, Portugal. The home is constructed of white concrete. I find this home absolutely beautiful. I love the simplicity and geometric proportion of this home. The way that the concrete is applied creates a unique texture. In addition, the wood material adds warmth.

http://toposatelier.com/casa-em-aldoar/

http://toposatelier.com/casa-em-aldoar/

http://toposatelier.com/casa-em-aldoar/

The Square Building

© Jose Campos

Designed by Pitagoras Arquitectos in Portugal, the International Centre for the Arts is commonly referred to as "the square". The structure is beautifully designed with 90 degree angles. As a kid I enjoyed designing structures using building blocks. This structure reminds me of the buildings I had created. It's simple, yet strong and interesting. (ABOVE) The front courtyard features modular seating. I love how the seating both looks and functions. (BELOW 1) At night the structure is beautifully lit up. The different colored lights give the structure different depths. (BELOW 2) The blue colored lights are my favorite. Against the blue sky, the structure has a softer look. (BELOW 3) A look at the whole side of the structure. I love the shiny appearance of the material during the day. What do you think of the structure? 

© Jose Campos
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© Jose Campos
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© Jose Campos
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Architecture Video: The Bluetube Bar

The Bluetube Bar designed by Dose, is a low-cost temporary bar for the annual academic festival in Porto, Portugal. This structure is absolutely amazing. When I first came across it I was quite confused. I thought it was a sculpture. At night, The Bluetube Bar looks incredible as the interior lights shine through to illuminate the structure. What do you think about The Bluetube Bar?

© DOSE + Carlos Trancoso