Subtly Textured, Bak Gordon Arquitectos’s Casa Azul Is Connected To Its Rural Location

Located in the small town of Grândola, the dwelling is built around a charming enclosed patio, formed from three suites, each with an en-suite bathroom and an interior terrace. A long swimming pool designed to reflect the sandy terrain runs along the south wall of the house, with a pair of double-height blocks on either end. Planned in a T-shape, the geometric structure of the residence spreads over two floors, with a long open-space running between two indoor-outdoor social areas, dubbed as ‘fresco rooms’. Featuring open seating areas, they are primely positioned on the east and west ends for astounding sunrise and sunset views.

With an architectural form directly influenced by the area’s landscape and heritage, the residence is lined with locally-sourced pigmented lime mortar and cork, which acts as a thermal insulator—two hallmarks of the Alentejo region. To help escape the Portuguese heat, the architects have also designed wide windows and openings, which brings natural light in, charging the interiors with warmth and serenity.