House in Santa Cruz / Manuel Tojal Architects

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Dining roomHouse in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, WindowsHouse in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, ChairHouse in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Table, StairsHouse in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - More Images+ 34

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  120
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  AutoDesk, Efapel, JNF, Ofa, Sanindusa, Silva e Carvalho
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House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Francisco Nogueira

Text description provided by the architects. House in Santa Cruz is part of a project from the early 80s of six semi-detached houses. It has the particularity of being the corner house which gives it greater autonomy and allowed us to take a more independent approach as well.

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Francisco Nogueira

The proposal changed the Client's initial program, which was practically faithful to the existing building. The new program is based on a house full of natural light, with a greater relation between the floors, as well as a stronger interior/exterior connection.

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Francisco Nogueira

The living room was opened to the kitchen and have a small toilet to give support. A straight staircase was created to link all floors and also turn them to the outside. The staircase was designed as a void and excavation/subtraction of the pre-existence building in order to reach the terrace, previously unused. By this way, the staircase becomes a “patio” and the bedrooms, that previously had windows only in the main facades, started to have a deeper relation with the skylight.

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Living Room, Sofa
© Francisco Nogueira

The previously unused roof, became a large open rooftop with direct visual relations to the surrounding urban landscape.

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs
© Francisco Nogueira

The materials, wood and brass, were an immediate choice, due to the fact that these materials are associated with nautical and maritime environments. In this way, materials could be reinterpreted in a more delicate and contemporary design way.

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Chair, Windows
© Francisco Nogueira
House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Image 35 of 39
Roof Plan
House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Interior Photography, Chair
© Francisco Nogueira

Outside, the proposal aims to highlight and divide the building volume in two uses: the housing program and the street-level parking program. The hole basement of the building can be recognized by the use of a heavier and darker materiality, as the upper volume, more private, becomes lighter and delicate, as if it floats, in which the white color dominates. 

House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Exterior Photography
© Francisco Nogueira
House in Santa Cruz  / Manuel Tojal Architects - Exterior Photography, Chair
© Francisco Nogueira

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Cite: "House in Santa Cruz / Manuel Tojal Architects" [Casa em Santa Cruz / Manuel Tojal Architects] 22 Mar 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/957798/house-in-santa-cruz-manuel-tojal-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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