Right from the outset, the image whisks us off to the countryside. A veritable natural setting. This is the view of Casa Santa Maria, located in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal. Its 360 sqm construction area, in concrete and wood, with some stone features, add greater dimension to the location. This project has been designed by the architect Pedro Henrique. The project was developed in a rural setting, yet close to the historical part of the city. And it all began with the renovation of the existing stone dwelling. This area was thus interconnected with the new structure in concrete and wood to produce this result: a panoramic view over the verdant countryside and extremely high ceilings, giving the house greater amplitude. A dialogue with nature has been forged for all the spaces. On the outside of the house, next to the road, the concrete wall accompanies the existing stone wall. The entrance to the house creates the relationship between the two floors. On the top floor we find the private area, which is intended for bedrooms and bathrooms, while the lower floor is highlighted by the whole social area and services. But it is, of course, the double height interior, clad entirely in wood, which enchants the most. The contrasts of the warm colour of the wood and of the white walls in the interior with the dark aspect of the concrete on some floors and on the exterior façade make the spaces even more welcoming places. This is a simple and comfortable home.
