The CVV House was a project prompted by a couple who decided to leave the city of Lisbon in search of a quieter lifestyle in Braga. To that end, they acquired a plot of land on the outskirts of the city, with expansive views over the urban landscape and surrounding nature.

One of the clients’ main goals was for the house to be positioned in a way that made the most of these surrounding views. This posed a significant challenge, as the best views were oriented to the north.

To address this constraint, the house was designed in a “V” shape – on one hand, to allow natural light into the more private areas to the east, and on the other, to open the social areas to the north for enjoying the views. Additionally, a large opening was created on the south-facing side toward the access road. This opening is subtly shielded by a permeable “cobogó” wall, which provides a sense of privacy while also creating a filtered lighting effect.

At the entrance, part of the building was set back from the western boundary to create a landscaped patio, allowing natural light to enter the interior circulation areas. The “cobogó” wall was extended here as well, albeit with a different orientation, to add a sense of movement to the façade.

In terms of materials, the project stands out for its combination of textures and contrasts – such as exposed concrete and facing brick – highlighting the importance and essence of materials in the house and their integration into the surroundings.