Donavan House | PIMAA
Setúbal / Portugal / 2024
Casa Donavan is an extraordinary celebration of biophilic design, a philosophy that seamlessly merges architecture with nature. Nestled in the lush pine forests of Comporta, Portugal, this home embodies harmony and respect for its surroundings.
At its core, the house integrates beautifully with the natural environment. Elevated wooden walkways gently hover above the forest floor, preserving the delicate ecosystem below. By situating the cabins within the natural voids of the pine forest, the design honors the land’s original character without disruption.
The choice of materials—wood, cement, and plaster—further emphasizes authenticity, connecting the architecture to the earth’s textures. These materials radiate warmth and simplicity, grounding the home in its natural context.
Natural light streams abundantly through expansive glass facades, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow while reducing dependence on artificial illumination. Views are carefully framed to maximize connections with the surrounding pine forest, rice fields, and the open sky, creating a profound sense of place.
Central to the design is the serene swimming pool courtyard, a contemplative oasis that evokes the calming presence of water. The spatial layout encourages exploration, with elevated pathways and open-air transitions offering a sense of adventure.
Balancing openness with privacy, the house provides communal spaces alongside intimate retreats, embodying the biophilic principle of refuge.
Casa Donavan is more than a home—it’s a living testament to the beauty of coexisting with nature, offering its inhabitants a tranquil, immersive dialogue with the natural world.
Photography: Ricardo Cruz
Casa Donavan is an extraordinary celebration of biophilic design, a philosophy that seamlessly merges architecture with nature. Nestled in the lush pine forests of Comporta, Portugal, this home embodies harmony and respect for its surroundings. At its core, the house integrates beautifully with the natural environment. Elevated wooden walkways gently hover above the forest floor, preserving the delicate ecosystem below. By situating the cabins within the natural voids of the pine forest, the...
- Year 2024
- Work finished in 2024
- Status Completed works
- Type Single-family residence / Interior Design
- Websitehttps://www.pimaa.pt/work/donavan-house
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