yinjispace

BRAND
Silent Living
ARCHITECTURE
Aires Mateus Architecture
PHOTOGRAPHY
Renée Rae
Tim Reed
Silje Kverneland
EDITOR
Bingyi
Collection

Casas na Areia is located 1 hour south from Lisbon, in Comporta, Portugal. This region is known for its magnificent white sandy beaches, the wine, fresh fish, endless rice fields and pine forests. Nestled within the Sado river Nature Reserve, home to a great variety of wildlife such as flamingos, storks and dolphins, is Casas na Areia. Because of its location, it is one of the best places in Portugal for bird watching. Guests can easily see up to 100 different species in just one day.

One of the most profound design characteristics of Casas na Areia is the floor. Architect Manuel Aires Mateus used the existing sand of the location as an equalizer. It became a unifying element between the interior and exterior, allowing for seamless indoor outdoor living. Time slows down and it makes you feel as though everything is connected. 

Shaped by the sand and sea, Casas na Areia is located near the small fishing village of Carrasqueira, where guests can visit the unique Palafitte Harbour - a jetty on stilts. This was a creative solution for the local fishing community to access the boats during low tide since the banks of the river get very muddy. For a unique experience, visit during sunset to take in the breathtaking views.

In order to reveal the soul of this particular place, the construction reflects the region's local traditions. Four separate houses were built - two of wood and reeds, two of white concrete. All are topped with thatched roofs, a material that is locally harvested from the banks of river Sado. The construction of the huts was completed by António Pinela, a local artisan. Due to the natural impermanence of the materials, the team returns every 5 to 6 years to renew the existing reeds and thatch work.

The living room is an open space and the main communal area of Casas na Areia. The fully equipped kitchen is integrated in a beautiful white corian structure. The dining area has a Bigfoot E15 table that sits eight people. The living room invites relaxation with white Gervasoni Gost Sofas, as the sandy floor can be heated in the winter months. The bedrooms have concrete floors and minimalist white Corian open plan bathrooms. 

The garden was left untouched and is a mixture of wild and native vegetation amongst the dunes. Adjacent to Casas na Areia, and built upon the remains of a local fishing boat, is an outdoor lounge with Kettal furnishings. There is a small swimming pool to cool down and refresh during the Summer heat.

MORE PHOTOS