Two Houses in Nevogilde, Porto
- House, Residential
- Rua Pêro de Alenquer, Porto, 2008
The Two Houses in Nevogilde project arises from the challenge of placing two independent and comfortable T4 residences on a single lot — without administrative division of the land — ensuring each one has privacy, light, and a connection to the outdoors, despite the dense and heterogeneous urban context that surrounds them.
The land and the urban context
The lot is situated between two large-scale buildings, whose visual presence imposes strong constraints on the placement of the new houses.
The difference in alignments, volumes, and materials of the neighboring constructions created a fragmented scenario, requiring an architectural response capable of asserting itself through serenity and coherence, rather than formal competition.
The concept: living with light and privacy
The project responds to this context through two seemingly identical but distinctly experienced semi-detached houses.
Each one has direct and independent street access, a private garden, and an individual garage with a common entrance.
The organization of the interior spaces was designed to minimize visual and auditory interference between residences, creating environments of tranquility and comfort, even on a shared plot.
Two houses, two ways of light
The east-facing house develops around an uncovered inner courtyard, ensuring privacy and abundant natural light in the living rooms and areas.
The west-facing house, on the other hand, explores verticality: the social areas are distributed over two levels, with a central skylight that introduces zenithal light and creates an intimate and serene atmosphere.
Both residences benefit from distinct solar orientations and complementary spatial strategies, reinforcing the unique identity of each house within a cohesive ensemble.
Flexibility and family living
The interior organization prioritizes flexibility of use and family comfort.
The living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms were designed to accommodate different ways of living — integrating or separating spaces according to the residents' needs.
Each house offers multiple living areas, both indoors and outdoors, fostering coexistence, autonomy, and adaptability over time.
Summary
The Two Houses in Nevogilde assert themselves as an exercise in balancing urban density and domestic quality of life.
Amidst walls and dominant neighborhoods, the project finds space for light, privacy, and individuality, creating two distinct residences that share the same language — solid, luminous, and deeply human.