- Project: Gerês House
- Architect: Carvalho Araújo
- Location: Portugal, 4850 Vieira do Minho
- Year: 2014
- Area: 400 m2
- Photography: Hugo Carvalho Araújo
Situated on a dramatic steep slope in the Caniçada Valley, the Gerês House by Carvalho Araújo is a striking contemporary residence that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Located within Peneda-Gerês National Park—Portugal’s only national park—this architectural intervention replaces a former house situated in a landslide-prone zone, prioritizing stability, simplicity, and a strong connection to the landscape.
Rebuilding on Safer Ground
Originally, a small home occupied an unstable position higher up the hillside. Recognizing the geological risk, the architects chose to relocate the structure to a safer level, enabling a fresh design approach grounded in site responsiveness and long-term resilience.
“The existing building was located on an upper level of the land eventually liable to small landslides, which determined its demolition and the relocation of the new construction,” the architects explain.
This decision allowed the team to build a house that frames views of the stream and pool below, creating a deeply immersive relationship between architecture and topography.
Two Volumes, One Unified Language
The Gerês House is composed of two interlocking volumes. The base is a concrete plinth, anchoring the home into the hillside and forming a robust structural foundation. Above it, a cantilevered wooden volume appears to float, offering panoramic views across the valley while introducing warmth to the composition.
These two materials—concrete and wood—define the visual and tactile experience of the home, both inside and out. The interiors echo the exterior palette, with open, multipurpose spaces that balance rawness with comfort.
The combination of brutalist restraint and natural materiality results in a serene living environment that honors the rugged landscape without overpowering it.
Views, Light, and Landscape Integration
Large glazed openings ensure that the residents remain visually connected to the surrounding forest, stream, and decked outdoor terrace. The project maximizes the slope’s potential, offering tiered indoor and outdoor living zones that blend seamlessly.
Set amidst one of Portugal’s most ecologically significant regions, Gerês House demonstrates how modern architecture can preserve the integrity of nature while offering a refined living experience.
