Appearing from the earth, almost as if part of it, the elemental Pereiro Do Cha House by architect Valerio Olgiati is cloaked against the dusty terrain. Situated in Alentejo, Portugal, the building is located 10 kilometers from the ocean, nestled within an area renowned for its expansive landscapes and rustic charm, the dusty blonde track, sun-drenched flora, and pale blue sky accommodating the faded grey of its exterior. Located at the end of a dirt road, amid rolling hills, enveloped by cork oaks, the house stands on a platform in the heart of the wild, rolling terrain.
Surrounded by walls of varying heights, the platform creates a buffer between the rugged, wild exterior landscape and the private oasis left for the pavilion-like house and its courtyard garden – the protective walls providing a unique spatial perspective juxtaposed against the vastness of the surrounding landscape. Upon entering through the gate, the oasis vibes begin with the blue surface of the pool providing a gleaming welcome.
Internally, the house does away with a connecting corridor, and instead uses the garden’s pathway system to link the various rooms. The architectural design strategically ensures ample shade within the house during scorching summers, while allowing the winter sun to penetrate deep into the rooms, creating a harmonious balance.
Photography © Paulo Catrica