Thisispaper Community
Join today.
Enter your email address to receive the latest news on emerging art, design, lifestyle and tech from Thisispaper, delivered straight to your inbox.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Instant access to new channels
The top stories curated daily
Weekly roundups of what's important
Weekly roundups of what's important
Original features and deep dives
Exclusive community features
@zaxarovcom
May 11, 2021

Vitor Vilhena Architects created the House in Messines -  outstanding white villa with a rooftop swimming pool suspended above the ground.

Algarve, in the South of Portugal does not only live by the sea. Proof of this is the village of São Bartolomeu de Messines, municipality of Silves - located in the interior of the Algarve, far from the mass tourism that occupies the whole coast, and privileged by the mountains that surround the whole region.The history of São Bartolomeu de Messines refers to 1180, originally populated by Arabs, when D. Sancho I conquered Silves. It is in this remote village that the project is located. Surrounded by valleys, mountains and two reservoirs, the dam of Funcho and the dam of Arade.

The "House of Messines", is based on an existing building, already in ruins, but with a fantastic orientation East-West, and with a rhythm of openings for light source already very inviting. The fact that there was a built structure was the only reason why architects were able to emerge such a work in this picturesque place. Due to the diverse bureaucratic restrictions of implantation, it was mandatory to "overlay" the project to the existing ruin, extending its body in the longitudinal axis towards South. Privileging the views and natural light, the rhythm of windows were recreated in the East facade, opening completely and leaving a hovering corner when the volume folds to north.

The interior of the house is a large space that prioritizes fluidity and communication in the social area (living room, dining room and kitchen), but closes and limits its access in the private area where the bedrooms are located as well as the service entrance. As a form of respect for the surroundings and not to obstruct more than necessary, architects chose to locate the pool on the rooftop, in a volume which doesn't touch the ground, and is completely suspended in the air. This decision guarantees a total access to the rooftop as a second social area of ​​the house, privileging the magnificent 360º views, even being inside the pool.

No items found.
Join +
We love less
but there is more.
Become a Thisispaper+ member today to unlock full access to our magazine, advanced tools, and support our work.
Travel Guides
Submission Module
Print Archive
Curated Editions
+ more
Buy now
No items found.
@zaxarovcom
May 11, 2021

Vitor Vilhena Architects created the House in Messines -  outstanding white villa with a rooftop swimming pool suspended above the ground.

Algarve, in the South of Portugal does not only live by the sea. Proof of this is the village of São Bartolomeu de Messines, municipality of Silves - located in the interior of the Algarve, far from the mass tourism that occupies the whole coast, and privileged by the mountains that surround the whole region.The history of São Bartolomeu de Messines refers to 1180, originally populated by Arabs, when D. Sancho I conquered Silves. It is in this remote village that the project is located. Surrounded by valleys, mountains and two reservoirs, the dam of Funcho and the dam of Arade.

The "House of Messines", is based on an existing building, already in ruins, but with a fantastic orientation East-West, and with a rhythm of openings for light source already very inviting. The fact that there was a built structure was the only reason why architects were able to emerge such a work in this picturesque place. Due to the diverse bureaucratic restrictions of implantation, it was mandatory to "overlay" the project to the existing ruin, extending its body in the longitudinal axis towards South. Privileging the views and natural light, the rhythm of windows were recreated in the East facade, opening completely and leaving a hovering corner when the volume folds to north.

The interior of the house is a large space that prioritizes fluidity and communication in the social area (living room, dining room and kitchen), but closes and limits its access in the private area where the bedrooms are located as well as the service entrance. As a form of respect for the surroundings and not to obstruct more than necessary, architects chose to locate the pool on the rooftop, in a volume which doesn't touch the ground, and is completely suspended in the air. This decision guarantees a total access to the rooftop as a second social area of ​​the house, privileging the magnificent 360º views, even being inside the pool.

Architecture
section is proudly under the patronage of:
John Pawson

Independent publications like Thisispaper rely on support by readers and companies to be sustainable.

Current patron of Architecture Section:

If you are ready to book a slot, please use the following link:
Become a Patron

Introducing OS
An intimate space which helps creative minds thrive.
Discover. Share. Embrace.
Thisispaper Shop
Shop Now
Thisispaper+Guides
Discover the most inspiring places and stories through carefully-curated travel guides.
Explore all GuidesExplore channels