Júlio Dantas

Natural Living

Located in Porto’s coastal area, Nevogilde historically revolved around a church, small port, and a popular beach, attracting the bourgeoisie, bringing new economic and social growth opportunities to the local. In the proximity of Avenida da Boavista and the City Park, the project, comprising 3 single-family houses and a multifamily development, aims to preserve the unique ecological environment marked by significant presence of a large tree. Once characterized by a large forest, surrounded by agricultural fields, the site retains distinctive features like tree clusters, water routes, granite walls, and tanks.

Preserving the arboreal complex and ensuring solar orientation mostly to the north, the implantation of the volumes and design prioritizes passive energy gains and potential self-sufficiency.

Garden spaces on the roofs facilitate rainwater retention for plant irrigation. The thoughtful spatial design, the continuity in the interior and the fragmentation of the volume, enable cross ventilation, promoting healthy air circulation within the house and throughout the plot. These sustainable features not only enhance energy efficiency of the house but also contribute to maintaining the historical identity and natural qualities of Nevogilde in the evolving cityscape of Porto.

Each courtyard has its specific landscape arrangement including diverse plant species and different water features.

The agglomeration of diverse residential modules and the resulting volumetric fragmentation enable the building to attain a suitable scale within its urban context.