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belas house
Belas, Sintra | Portugal
2021 - 2024
bioclimatic housing
area |
client | private
photography | João Guimarães
Everything has been thought out in detail to create a very special house, combining tradition with the best techniques of bioclimatic architecture.
The plot was carefully laid out to get the best sun exposure and protection from the north winds, without giving up the views of the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and Sintra Mountains.
Each room has its own indoor and outdoor space, be it an exclusive garden, a patio or a balcony, which doubles the private living area.
Otília Freire's landscaping takes advantage of the rocky outcrops and existing trees and transforms the plot into a vibrant, low-maintenance and sustainable garden. Rainwater is collected in a tank and used to irrigate the entire garden, which includes an orchard of varied species following the foodforest concept.
On the ground floor, the social areas are distributed in an openspace that is always interconnected with the patios and green areas of the garden. On the first floor are the various bedrooms, with a full suite and three bedrooms that share an IS and study areas.
Access to the rooftop offers the best view of the Serra de Sintra through the main terrace, surrounded by landscaped roofs and carefully concealed technical areas. Without forgoing an air conditioning system, the architecture favoured passive solutions, with well-insulated walls and roofs, solar protection and natural cross ventilation, which guarantee excellent thermal behaviour throughout the house.
The materials were chosen to ensure high comfort and beauty, but within the latest environmental standards, of Portuguese and renewable origin.





