- Project: Casa do Cabo
- Architect: Kerimov Architects
- Location: Portugal, Southern Coast
- Year: 2023
- Area: 1200 m2
On a secluded hilltop along the southern coast of Portugal, Casa do Cabo by Kerimov Architects emerges as a striking example of minimalist architecture in harmony with the land. With its expansive horizontal volumes, carefully restrained material palette, and panoramic ocean views, the 1,200-square-meter residence blurs the line between building and landscape.
Sculpting Space Through Landscape
Casa do Cabo was designed to blend with the topography, resulting in a home that appears embedded in the hillside rather than imposed upon it. Its low-slung, horizontal composition mirrors the contours of the terrain and the distant ocean horizon. Concrete, glass, and locally sourced wood form the structural and visual language of the house, underscoring its dialogue with nature.
The house unfolds across three levels:
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Underground (-1) Level:
Concealed beneath the earth, this level contains technical facilities and service areas, as well as interior garden atriums that bring daylight and greenery into the heart of the home. -
Ground Level:
Serving as the main living space, it features a spacious living room and a private home office, both oriented toward the coast through floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. From here, residents can access the outdoor terrace and absorb unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Privacy Meets Transparency
While the residence enjoys open views to the sea, its strategic placement away from neighboring development ensures complete privacy. The design carefully navigates Portugal’s glazing restrictions—where window openings must not exceed 50% of the façade—by incorporating large spans of glass without compromising energy performance or structural integrity. The result is a semi-permeable shell that feels simultaneously open and discreet.
Architectural Rhythm and Material Honesty
To counterbalance the dominance of horizontality, concrete walls extend beyond the building envelope, creating a rhythm of solids and voids. These elements continue into the interior, reinforcing spatial continuity between inside and out—a core principle of Kerimov Architects’ approach.
The home’s distinctive flat timber roofs, crafted from locally harvested wood, convey visual lightness while meeting structural and environmental standards. Despite their apparent delicacy, they are rooted in principles of durability, local craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Environmentally Responsible by Design
Casa do Cabo is an example of low-impact construction. All materials used—including concrete, glass, and wood—are sourced locally, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the build. The project aligns with Kerimov Architects’ broader philosophy: architecture should respect its place while elevating the experience of living in it.
Casa do Cabo represents a bold yet refined expression of site-responsive architecture. Tucked away in the Portuguese hillside, it offers its inhabitants an experience of complete immersion in nature, privacy, and serenity. With its minimalist design and ecological sensibility, the residence is a powerful statement of how architecture can quietly enhance, rather than dominate, its surroundings.
