Portuguese architect Jorge Graca Costa has designed the DT House. Completed in 2008, the contemporary property sits on top of a hill in Oeiras, Portugal.
According to the architect: “The contemporary Portuguese house is an example of bio-climatic and energy efficient principles in architecture. It’s a simple, compact object that integrates accessible construction technologies with innovative and smart design solutions.
“It demonstrates that energy effectiveness results not of the exhibition of means – technological or material – but of its capacity in answering rationally to the many requirements of human living.
“It was built in Oeiras (Portugal) on top of a hill, benefiting from open views over the surrounding landscape.
“DT House composition explores the contrast between social areas of the lower level and private areas located on the upper floor. These result in distinctive volumes that are enhanced by the visibility of its structure and the different materials applied as external texture.
“The design of this contemporary Portugueset building reflects the needs of rational energy use, integrating solutions of passive heating and cooling as an alternative to more active, energy-dependent technologies.
“To improve passive cooling profiting from sea breezes, it was strategic build a pool near the façade; pool water doesn’t use chemicals to be reused in the garden.
From the architectural design to the adequate definition of particular solutions, DT House shows that it’s possible to integrate contemporary technologies and sustainable design solutions.”
Images courtesy of Fernando Guerra and Sergio Guerra.
