Funchal 05 House / Paulo David + Luz Ramalho

© Leonardo Finotti

Location: Neves – Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Architect: Paulo David + Luz Ramalho
Structure: Mário Rui
Electrical: Fernando Sousa Pereira
Plumbing: Marco Coelho
Project: 2002
Construction: 2006
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

© Leonardo Finotti

The orthogonal and abstract form contrasts with the irregular shape of the plot, which becomes a plateau. This encourages the observation and reiterates that in this island it is important to gaze out to sea. The section through the building sets up a dialog with the base rock, and this is reinforced by a slot in the upper floor that fragments the volume, creating two “bulges” resting on the main box that organises all the spatial functions and relationships in the house.

© Leonardo Finotti

The area that is at the same level as the plateau defines the living space. It sets up “bridges” which extend living areas to the outside. A central body including the kitchen, bathroom services, storage and vertical access to the bedrooms defines the circulation system. The living room is in the void that this body creates.

© Leonardo Finotti

The two “bulges” contain spaces for sleeping and are connected by a glazed volume. They have the character of watchtowers, and their openings frame fragments of what is largely a seascape. The glazed circulation space of the upper floor and the link from the kitchen to the exterior are of materials that contrast with the roughness of the rest of the house.

© Leonardo Finotti

The rough skin over the exterior combines a bonding agent with the selected and sorted basalt particles and this makes it black. The chromatic uniformity is continued on the roof where volcanic ash is used.
Inside the aim was always austerity, using very few materials. Most surfaces are flat and white, contrasting with the external skin and allowing light inside the house.