Contaminar Arquitectos takes an unorthodox but visually striking approach to keep the Quinta do Rei 18 house at a comfortable temperature. The firm encased the house in a sinuous concrete facade. This protects the house from the Portuguese sun.
Quinta do Rei 18 is set in a hilly landscape. The shape and layout of the house are inspired by the topography of the terrain. Both should ensure optimal sun exposure and views from the rooftop pool.
villa is located in an elevated area with a steep slope in the city of Leiria. The plot invites a tower-like volume with views over the city. One of the design principles was that the living spaces were located on the upper floors. On the roof is the swimming pool so that 360-degree views can be enjoyed.
striking feature of the house is the horizontal lines of the concrete slabs rotating around an axis. This creates a plastic shape and optimises exposure to the sun. Areas of balconies, shade and circulation are incorporated into the design where the shape - from the ground to the roof - looks like a ladder going up from the earth.
Although the house cannot be described as sustainable due to the extensive use of CO₂-producing concrete, the sun-shading façade does make a significant contribution to the environment. The same applies to the solar panels on the roof, which reduce the strain on the electricity grid.
