- Arquitraço (Luis Rebelo de Andrade, Tiago Rebelo de Andrade, Manuel Cachão Tojal)
Bio-inspired Private House
The most recently constructed bio-inspired private house, on Travessa do Patrocinio in Lisbon, can be found in the historic yet upmarket neighborhood of Lapa. The specific context of this intervention is important for an understanding of some of its particular features. As the architect of the project, Luís Rebelo de Andrade declared: ‘It is important to understand the DNA of the location.’ The corner on which the house stands represents a kind of urban dead end as it leads nowhere else. The tiny square on which the plot lies - a mere widening of a narrow alley typical of Lapa - was crying out for a single, attractive building. As no garden or green space was possible in such a narrow urban space, the architects decided to transfer the desired greenery to the façade of the building.
Covered with vegetation
Besides this analysis of the urban setting, other aspects should also be highlighted. As the house is intended for the top end of the market, it needed an innovative and eye-catching look. The constantly-changing façade - influenced by the changing seasons - was a detail that was greatly valued by the investor, the Lisbon-based firm BWA-Buildings With Art. This sensory aspect, along with the practical environmental advantages of having an entire façade covered with vegetation, was crucial in devising the final solution. From a climatic point of view, several positive aspects can be pointed out: the green façade absorbs CO2 (thus helping to reduce CO2 levels), improves air quality, and works as a natural layer of insulation for both temperature and noise.
The sustainable character of the project was the aspect most valued by the general media. There can be no doubt that one of the main objectives of the proposal was to challenge the trend of huge-scale construction in our cities with a clear lack of vegetation and green spaces. Nevertheless, there is more to this four-story house than its sustainable and green character.
The main volume of the house was detached from the neighboring lateral façade to create the entrance and the full-height glazed courtyard that serves the dwelling. This glazed, narrow courtyard acts as a skylight and creates a vertical link through the house, acting as its central core. A staircase is situated immediately inside the entrance, leading up to the rooftop and connecting all the floors.
Used systems
Involved stakeholders
Architect
- Arquitraço (Luis Rebelo de Andrade, Tiago Rebelo de Andrade, Manuel Cachão Tojal)
Fabricator
- Caixiprimos
Photographer
- Sergio Guerra
- Fernando Guerra
- FG + SG Architectural Photography
Other stakeholder
- Obras Públicas e Construção Civil, Lda. (General contractors)
- Construoeiras S.A. (General contractors)
- Sigmapax Investimentos S.A. (Investors)
- Carlos M Guimarães (Authors)