LOCATION
Porto, Portugal
Year
2024
CONSTRUCTION AREA
560 m2
LAND AREA
990 m2
Client
Private
Photographer
João Morgado
FONTE DA MOURA
HOUSE
Casa Fonte da Moura is the result of the convergence between a clearly defined vision established by the clients and the design process developed by the team at Trama Arquitetos. From the outset, the challenge was to transform an idea into a home that combines functionality, comfort, and identity. More than simply responding to a programme, the project sought to materialise a way of living, where architecture acts as a mediator between everyday life, the landscape, and the city, translating the aspirations of its inhabitants into a serene, timeless architectural language deeply rooted in their lifestyle.
Situated on a site near Avenida da Boavista, one of Porto's main urban arteries, the house balances the proximity of city life with the tranquillity of the domestic environment. The size and configuration of the plot allowed for a free and carefully considered placement of the building, positioning it in the most secluded area of the site to ensure privacy while orienting the interior spaces towards the garden and the continuity of the surrounding landscape. The architecture embraces a refined and restrained language, defined by simple geometries and rigorous proportions, whose apparent simplicity is enriched by the precision of its design. The careful study of the openings, the depth of the window recesses, the interplay between solid and void, and the way natural light moves through the spaces throughout the day bring dynamism to the volume, continuously transforming the perception of the house.
The spatial organisation expresses a clear hierarchy between the social and private areas. The ground floor accommodates the communal living spaces, conceived as generous, fluid environments that open seamlessly onto the garden, reinforcing the continuity between the interior and exterior. The upper floor is dedicated to the private realm of the house, where the bedrooms enjoy a greater sense of privacy while maintaining a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
Materiality is one of the defining elements of the project's identity. The combination of natural stone, timber, and steel establishes a balanced dialogue between solidity and delicacy, permanence and craftsmanship. The richness of textures and tones enhances the architectural expression of the building, while the restrained colour palette allows natural light to become a fundamental element in shaping the atmosphere of each space. The result is a sober, timeless architecture, deeply connected to the sensory experience of inhabiting the space.