Kerimov Architects designs residence seamlessly integrating into nature with energy-efficient strategies

The 800 square meter residence features innovative elements like concealed pools, sun-powered energy, and rainwater collection.

Project: Hidden House

Location: Lagos,
Portugal

Architects:
Kerimov Architects

Typology:
Private Residence

Area: 800 m²

The 800 sq. m house is located on a cliff, near the ocean, in a natural environment. The project had to take into account the main requirement of the local municipality: the house should be practically invisible, minimally change the local landscape and not stand out in the environment, since the cliff in which it is located is clearly visible from the downtown.

The house is perfectly integrated into the landscape: from the side of the road, the building seems to be one-story, but from the side of the ocean and the downtown it is almost invisible. Thanks to the smart arrangement of the volumes, following the topography of the site, the effect of a natural elevation difference could be achieved: the terraces become a continuation of the landscape. It’s worth noticing that each level (zero and -1) has a view of the natural surrounding and natural sunlight.

The atrium structure is at the heart of the design. Each functional volume of the house is an independent architectural unit. The laconic-formed volumes made it possible to optimize the building area and achieve an architectural appearance that does not argue with the natural context. The color scheme of the house, built of architectural concrete and metal, is inspired by the color of the area: the sandy shade of the facade correlates with the color of the rocks, so the house, like a chameleon, mimics the rocky landscape without standing out.

There are two pools in the project. One is a consoled swimming path with glass sides and a bottom; it is facing the ocean and is located at the level of the upper living room. The second is a large swimming pool at -1 level facing the cliff.

The staff building, situated between the entrance group and the living area, features an accessible rooftop garden, providing a tranquil space to unwind in nature and savor the scenic views.

Access to the house’s entrance group on the ground floor is facilitated by a connecting bridge. Descending a set of stairs along the wall with a cascading waterfall allows access to the lower-level inner courtyard.

Strictly following the requirements for insolation, the house is oriented to the cardinal points and maximized all the windows at the main viewpoints. It allows the inhabitants to feel comfortable at home even in the hottest time of the year.

The project uses the sun as an additional source of energy: solar panels are installed on the roofs, which collect both solar and thermal energy. Thermal energy is used to heat the pool and to heat the house on rare cool days. The insolation of the house is also regulated by swivel lamellas installed on the windows.

Since the rocky terrain is problematic for laying communications, water collection tanks and funnels are installed, that collect rainwater for later use – watering plants and technical needs.