Valley House / Guilherme Machado Vaz
Client: Júlio Machado Vaz
Location: Vieira do Minho, Portugal
Project: 1998 2002
Construction: 2002 2005
Architect: Guilherme Machado Vaz
Consultants: SGPE, lda.
Builder: António Dias Ribeiro, Lda
Constructed area: 350m2
Cost: 250,000 euros
Photographs: Leonardo Finotti
The whole process of design of the Casa del Valle began with the valley without the house, or confrontation with the architect to natural space. I began by defining intentions. The willingness to respect the topography and local people to take cover and take advantage of available area 10.000m2 have been the first to have appeared. I wanted a volume provided in connection with the ground. The idea of a lost object in an area I was not huge, so you get to a long and compact embedded in the ground.
To develop the plan of the house, I am based in a traditional typology of the region. A large gallery at the heart of the house while the remaining divisions are organized around her demanding instead. The simplicity and logic of the traditional typology allows adaptation over time.
The house is oriented toward the valley and mountains, the pool is located on the opposite side, on the roof with its green cover. I wanted a strong relationship between inside and outside but not a direct, or had to have a comprehensive eye contact but the physical transition from one place to another could not be immediate. Nature in its entire splendor and wildlife impose respect. Therefore the large windows are placed higher than the external level which transforms them into platforms for contemplation. The difference in level between the inner and outer space is enough to convey comfort and safety in the days of absolute isolation.
When entering the site is hidden behind the house of nature without any road constructed so as to see an element in space. The first impression we have when one reaches the plateau of the valley does not show the true shape of the house, then as I walk into the ground, one discovers that the rest gradually and causes a surprise when they finally achieved see everything. This "surprise element" (Montesquieu) helps to stimulate the viewer and their perception of the relationship between place and home. The architectural experience is made at the base of sensory stimuli. This project sought, in the best way to explore feelings through the perception of space.
Admission is a covered outdoor space that provides access to the garage and inside the house. The stairs leading to the foyer of the gallery which separates the living room. In the living room, we faced a large curtain that divides it in two places, an introvert with a fireplace and another that opens to the outside. The latter takes us by surprise at first appear the wonderful view of the mountains. In fact, the complete journey inside the house is done with the mountains at the back, so not to see its beauty so far. Each space has a relationship with the surroundings that gives them a unique identity. The gallery is open, protected by trees, is a gift of nature, where we can lose within ourselves.
The sleeping area consists of two identical nuclei with a hall, two bedrooms and bathrooms. All rooms have access to the rear garden leading to the pool. Finally, to close the corridor and its consistency with the regional tradition, the kitchen and dining area are in the same enclosure. Makes sense to appreciate the food in the place where he is prepared, where the complexity of flavors flowing freely to create the perfect aura.
The house is made of concrete, used as a construction and completion, looking for a hard material and aesthetically contrasting with various colors and textures of nature that surrounds it. Inside it, the contrast is emphasized through the neutral color that covers walls and skies and how "dull" in which the spaces are designed.
The refuge was a matter of survival for man, a turning point in its existence, the substance continues. This house does not try to be more than a refuge for body and soul. Without shelter, we are stones in the rain.
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