- Project: Moradia JD2
- Architect: Rosmaninho Arquitetura
- Location: Portugal, Ilhavo
- Year: 2023
- Area: 390 m2
- Photography: Ivo Tavares
A Minimalist Coastal Retreat by the Aveiro Estuary
Situated near the scenic Aveiro estuary in Ílhavo, Moradia JD2 by Rui Rosmaninho is a refined example of contemporary Portuguese architecture—balancing minimalism, material honesty, and emotional warmth. Designed as a modern beach house, the project captures the essence of coastal living through thoughtful use of natural light, durable materials, and understated elegance.
This residence is not just a weekend escape but a home tailored to a modern lifestyle—where the design seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetic precision, and connection to the sea.
Design Concept & Site Integration
The design of Moradia JD2 responds directly to the site’s sun exposure and its proximity to the coast. The linear volumes are carefully oriented to frame views of the estuary while maximizing natural light throughout the day. Each façade is sculpted to express balance and rhythm, combining openness with privacy in a way that resonates with both landscape and lifestyle.
The architecture’s minimalist form allows materiality to take center stage: concrete, Corten steel, and ceramic define the building’s character. These materials were chosen for their low maintenance, resilience against the marine climate, and capacity to age gracefully over time.
A Contemporary Reinterpretation of Tradition
While Moradia JD2 embodies a distinctly modern aesthetic, it also pays homage to the region’s architectural heritage. The vertical ceramic slats adorning the façade reinterpret the colorful wooden stripes of the traditional palheiros—iconic fishermen’s houses of nearby Costa Nova.
Here, these slats take on a contemporary ceramic expression, linking past and present through texture and rhythm. The widespread use of ceramic materials reflects both a regional connection and the owner’s personal ties to the ceramic industry, resulting in a project that is simultaneously modern and deeply local.
Interior Design & Material Palette
Inside, the design continues the architectural dialogue between minimalism and warmth. A serene palette of white, beige, and light wood defines the interior, enhanced by the tactile richness of rough-hewn timber elements that evoke nature and craft.
Large glazed openings blur the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing natural light to wash across surfaces of ceramic, wood, and concrete. The consistent repetition of exterior materials within the interior ensures visual harmony and continuity.
Each space was designed with custom-made furniture, merging architectural precision with functionality. The built-in pieces—crafted to measure—optimize every square foot, making the home equally suited for private retreat and family gatherings.
The Beauty of Ceramic
One of the most distinctive aspects of Moradia JD2 is its extensive and innovative use of ceramic finishes. Floors and wall claddings employ ceramics that mimic wallpaper textures, lending the interiors a sense of tactile comfort.
In the bedrooms and bathrooms, variations of white ceramics—each with distinct shapes and installations—add subtle dynamism to otherwise minimalist compositions. This design approach transforms ceramic from a cold, utilitarian material into a warm, expressive medium of architectural storytelling.
A Harmonious Collaboration
Moradia JD2 is the result of close collaboration between architecture and interior design, demonstrating how unified vision can elevate a project from structure to sanctuary. The result is a peaceful modern retreat—a place that celebrates Portuguese craftsmanship, coastal light, and the timeless appeal of material simplicity.
With Moradia JD2, Rui Rosmaninho delivers a home that captures the spirit of contemporary Portugal: minimal yet soulful, efficient yet human. By blending enduring materials with precision design and contextual awareness, the architect has created a coastal refuge that stands as both a personal statement and a regional tribute.
This is not merely a beach house—it is an architectural meditation on light, texture, and belonging.
