Casal dos Claros | Contaminar

Single-family house with two stories – ground floor and basement – designed by Contaminar atelier, located between the rural area surrounding the Lis River and the urban periphery of the city of Leiria.
Positioned on a small plot, this house is located in a small-scale chaotic urban area, surrounded by greenhouses and cropland. Occupying the entirety of the space, the house itself represents the borders of the plot, living around small patios. These in turn provide privacy and transport the user to a different type of space with a more introspective atmosphere, creating a composition of occupied and empty spaces on the plan and elevations.
The general geometry of the house, which appears to be rigid, is interrupted by circular openings that afford a poetic aspect to the spaces. The various axes are based on a 3,5x3,5 metres grid, organizing and providing discipline to the space. In the centre there is a patio that extends to the basement, delineating the separation of the social and private areas on the upper floor. In the more private area, another patio separates the suite from the other rooms. Adjacent to the kitchen is a third patio lined with sucupira wood, interacting with the exterior and creating a permeating effect between the inside and outside spaces. The same effect is achieved with the suite patio, as the spaces are hybrid, distinct and comfortable.
The two central patios of the house converge through a unique garden space in the basement, interacting with the gym space and a social space. Part of this garden extends to a mid-floor level and creates the separation between another patio and the basement, reserved for more technical functionalities. The basement space is characterized by the presence of concrete and zenith lighting, creating a more dramatic atmosphere.