Casa del Monte or “The Dune House”, how it is non-officially named by the people in the area is a hidden concrete building beneath the sand and erected by Lisbon-based Pereira Miguel Arquitectos in 2009.

Casa Monte by Pereira Miguel Arquitectos technical information

Maybe one day we’ll find a goat grazing on our roof, while we’re taking a dip in the pool below – Pereira Miguel Arquitectos

Casa Monte “Dune House” by Pereira Miguel Arquitectos Photographs



© Fernando Guerra + Sérgio Guerra

Casa Monte “Dune House” Article from the Architects

The project tries to establish a new relationship between architecture and landscape, by using the two universes into one unique group. Two artificial dunes connect the house to the landscape and extend its limits. In the middle, four concrete arms shelter all living functions, in a crisscross direction. The roof undulates, in a warped shape, creating different interior and exterior atmospheres. Crossing the house trough the roof becomes an experience in itself, giving new points of view over the landscape, and reminding us of the old road that crossed it before.

Extracts from the article in stylepark.com

“Given its geographical location, the Grândola area is constantly at the mercy of major fluctuations in temperature. Accordingly, the building’s thick concrete walls have been reinforced from the inside with redbrick cladding, while the sand and resulting vegetation also naturally serve to provide effective insulation and regulate the ambient temperature inside.

Furthermore, most of the house’s windows face southward such that the building is flooded with maximum daylight as possible, even in the winter months. Whereas in the summer, wooden shutters keep out unwanted glare. […]

Alongside these key architectural aspects, the fundamental idea behind this building is extremely idealistic. In the “Dune House” the architects were aiming to create a living space where the boundaries between architecture and nature would be very much blurred.

The house’s cave-like feel affords its occupants a feeling of safety and security when inside. At the same time, the “Dune House” constitutes a new habitat for flora and fauna, such that over time nature, weather conditions and flourishing vegetation, will mold and shape the house anew.”

Casa Monte “Dune House” gallery © Fernando Guerra + Sérgio Guerra

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Reddit

Tumblr

Pocket

Email

