Facing the mountainous terrain of the Cinfães municipality, we were asked to design a single-family home that would take maximum advantage of the landscape while simultaneously integrating into it. Thus, the proposal for the house designated as Quinta Zweerts emerged.

The house design was carried out in accordance with legislation, taking into account the constraints related to land protection zones, such as protected and floodable areas and national ecological reserve areas. As a result, we proposed building a single-story structure with an outdoor swimming pool.

The resulting architectural language evokes traditional construction in terms of facade cladding and the use of a multi-pitched roof. However, the floor plan is not linear – it is possible to observe that the common areas and sleeping spaces are divided into different zones, which, on the exterior, creates a break in the overall volume of the house. This solution makes these spaces resemble independent little houses (although they are interconnected internally). All living and sleeping areas were oriented towards the river, while secondary spaces, such as circulation corridors, bathrooms, and storage, were oriented towards the public road.

Thus, the final image of Quinta Zweerts appears as 5 volumes, each housing distinct functions.

The easternmost volume comprises a garage with capacity for parking 2 light vehicles. The second volume, adjacent to the first, will house the main access to the house, as well as open-plan spaces with social and support functions, namely: the kitchenette and living and dining rooms. The last three volumes, located further west, will house the bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.