Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LJuly 23, 2024Interior Design, Residential Design

CASA FONTE VELHA || Harmonizing Family Living and Social Entertaining

Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LJuly 23, 2024Interior Design, Residential Design

Located in the picturesque town of Matosinhos, Casa Fonte Velha stands as a testament to the seamless integration of contemporary design and familial warmth.

This project, designed by Martins Pimenta—Arquitetura e Construção, transforms a preexisting structure into a functional, welcoming home for a young couple and their three children. The architectural program is characterized by its simplicity, raw materials, and thoughtful layout, encouraging intimate family moments and lively social gatherings.

*Do not judge a book by its cover. The concrete exterior hides an inviting living space filled with natural light.*

*The entryway opens to a framed view of the greenery in the backyard, again, creating a light-filled space that will uplift your mood.*

Indoor-Outdoor Living: The Heart of Casa Fonte Velha

Sliding doors accentuate the indoor-outdoor living experience throughout the home. In the kitchen and living area, large sliding doors that run the entire length of the wall open to the patio, allowing for a fluid transition between cooking, dining, and lounging by the pool. The kitchen, with its exquisite ceiling details, wood cabinetry, and stone countertops, is designed to be the heart of the home—a place where family and friends gather, share meals and create memories.

The kitchen is a masterful blend of the existing structure and the new wooden cabinetry and spacious kitchen counter. The exposed stone at one end of the kitchen and the wood-planked ceiling establish a welcoming contrast with the stone countertop and warm wood elements.

*Sliding doors running the length of one wall promotes seamless indoor outdoor living.*

It was expected that the social activities would spill over to the outdoor area, so the team created a patio area sheltered from the sweltering summer heat by overhead shade so guests could choose to enjoy the heat without direct sun exposure or lounge on the sunchairs by the pool.

The bedroom spaces are equally well-considered, with sliding doors leading to balconies, further extending the living space. A retractable sliding door in the children's rooms merges two rooms into one larger play area, offering versatility and adaptability as the children grow. In every room and corridor, one can spot a large-format window framing the beautiful lush landscape of the yard or a skylight drawing in natural light instead of using artificial lighting.

*A retractable door between the two children’s rooms creates an interconnected play space.*

Thoughtful Outdoor Spaces

The backyard is a sanctuary of relaxation and leisure. The circular pool, with its partially wood-planked perimeter, is a thoughtful addition. It provides a comfortable lounging area where one can enter and exit the pool without water creating a mess. The warmth on the wooden planks absorbed from the sun’s rays would also be a comforting touch to help guests feel grounded and in tune with nature. This detail enhances the poolside experience, making it both practical and enjoyable.

*Wooden planks are a thoughtful touch to avoid a mess when exiting the pool and also a warm landing for cooled soles.*

A Design Emphasizing Light and Space

One of the standout features of Casa Fonte Velha is the strategic use of skylights. These openings not only flood the stairway and corridors with natural light but also create an airy, expansive atmosphere that counteracts what could have been dim, shadowy spaces. The skylights enhance the visual connection to the outdoors, making even transitional areas inviting and bright. Imagine the spaces pictured below without skylights; the room's aesthetic would feel more closed and boxed in.

Our favourite use of the skylights in this project is how it is used to light up the corridor housing the integrated cabinetry in the bedroom. Natural light streams in from above and also from the large sliding door that opens to the balcony.

Large-format windows play a crucial role in establishing a connection with the outdoors. Whether in the living room, dining area, or the spaces in between, these windows offer expansive views of the lush surroundings. The design philosophy here is clear: blur the lines between inside and outside, creating a harmonious, boundless, free living environment.

*Large windows bring in sunlight to every corner of the home.*

A Testament to Transformative Design

The transformation of Casa Fonte Velha is a prime example of how architecture can breathe new life into existing structures. By respecting the original volumes and integrating contemporary design elements, Martins Pimenta has created a home that is aesthetically pleasing, functional and inviting. Concrete, wood, and white walls throughout the interior emphasize a modern aesthetic while ensuring a cozy, intimate connection with the garden and outdoor spaces.

Casa Fonte Velha celebrates the joys of family living and social entertainment. Every design choice, from the skylights to the sliding doors, reflects a deep understanding of the needs of a modern family, making it a perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality.