Mário Martins Atelier: Casa Morena is situated on a plot with verdant pine trees, a place where the view becomes lost in the green of the surrounding area and the immense blue of a bay.
The pine trees mark the site and have influenced the planning and reticulated design of the house. Some of the schist, used to build the solid walls, was removed from the site. These walls mark the house’s foundation, which is deconstructed into walls that become lower and lower, becoming separate from the house and merging into the garden. A natural and neutral foundation, in its raw state, that rises from the ground in direct contrast to the clear lightness of the upper floor, white and smooth, composed of horizontal layers that appear to become loose and floating, seeking the shade of the canopy of pine trees. An open walkway flows into the garden to connect the entrance to the plot with the entrance to the house, on the ground floor.
This floor, with a more social character, consists of an open and transparent entrance hall, with stairs giving access between the floors. On the ground floor, at garden level, there is a lounge, kitchen, toilet and an office. These are bordered by a large glazed area that opens up to let in the green vegetation of the garden. It invites you to live outdoors under a spacious covered terrace, where you can totally relax and enjoy the delights of a mild climate and views stretching to the horizon.
The long swimming pool delimits the terrace and creates the transition between the house and a natural garden, with pre-existing native plants, all drought tolerant. On the upper floor are the bedrooms which open onto a terrace and patios, with access to another terrace, somewhat hidden, on the roof.
The terraces and sheltered patios are truly special outdoor areas, extremely peaceful and with wonderful views. They are private cut out areas that inspire different perceptions and feelings.
There is also a set of concealed technical equipment on the roof: for the sun to be used to increase energy efficiency and for the use of water. An extra basement area is for parking, storage and other technical support equipment.
The house is complete, inside and out, with simple, clean, contemporary lines. It has a certain lightness and visual balance, letting itself be shaped by its surroundings, with which it is important to encourage respect and architectural identification.
White, the predominant colour in the region, covers the exterior of the building. This whiteness reinforces the shadows, softening them and creating a chromatic interaction with the natural materials used; the wood and stone of the region that cover some of the surrounding walls. A simple house, one that wishes to be discreet and to be influenced by its location, to become a house that is pleasant with thoughtful landscaping.
