Gerês House

Location: Vieira do Minho, Portugal

Architects: Carvalho Araujo architects

Gerês house is a stunning presence set on a sharp slope of the Caniçade Valley in Vieira do Minho, Portugal.

Constructed using concrete, wood and glass, the extraordinary design uses right angles to create a bold, clean-cut look. An industrial look is created with its use of materials - tall concrete walls with timber roofs to add warmth; minimalism bar the coloured décor in the living room; and a double height ceiling allowing the lower ground to correspond with the second landing.

The house was built in a new location due to the previous site being subject to small landslides. The entryway is from the upper level as a full view over the land can be seen from this point, including a small stream that finishes in a lake.

The building is comprised of two main elements where a large wooden structure rests on a concrete base that juts out over the land and the water line, creating a symbiotic relationship with the environment.

All images courtesy of Hugo Carvalho Araújo