May 18, 2024

Torquines de Cima Country House: A Minimalist Haven in Portugal

In the serene hills of Torquines de Cima, Odemira, Portugal, the Torquines de Cima Country House emerges as a masterpiece of minimalist design by renowned designer Garcês. Spanning a 5-hectare (12.4-acre) plot, this country house artfully balances its dual functions of housing and tourism through a design that respects the memory of its rural site. With its polished concrete floors and traditional carpentry, the house forms a harmonious connection with its natural surroundings, offering serene views and fostering a sustainable living environment.

A modern, minimalistic white building with a tiled roof and large windows surrounded by landscaping.

Modern white villa with red tile roof, landscaped garden, and swimming pool.

Spacious open-concept living area with exposed beam ceiling, wood accents, and minimalist furniture.

A modern, minimalist interior with clean lines, warm wood tones, and an open layout.

A minimalist living room with white walls, wooden furniture, and a cozy fireplace.

Spacious, minimalist living area with wooden dining table, chairs, and sheer curtains.

A modern, minimalist kitchen with sleek wooden cabinetry and white countertops.

Clean, minimalist kitchen with wood accents, large windows, and a scenic outdoor view.

A modern, minimalist bedroom with wooden accents, white linens, and a person standing by the window.

Simple bedroom with minimalist furnishings, wooden built-in wardrobe, and patterned rug.

Minimalist bathroom design with concrete sink, wood accents, and recessed shelving.

Modern white villa with terracotta roof tiles, pool, and minimalist landscaping.

A modern, minimalist white building with a tile roof, numerous windows, and a person walking along the exterior.

Contemporary villa with distinctive rooflines, geometric volumes, and a swimming pool integrated into the landscape.

About Torquines de Cima Country House

Located on a remote 5-hectare (12.35-acre) plot in a pastoral setting, the building rises on uneven ground, distant from city life. A previous structure once stood here but was torn down after falling into disrepair, clearing the path for this new construction designed to fulfill a specific purpose.

Dual-Purpose Design

The structure uniquely serves both housing and tourism needs. It features three distinct living modules: a central T4 unit for family living and two T1 units at each end for tourist accommodation.

Architectural Heritage

The building’s shape reflects the original structure, presenting a neat volume with a double-pitched roof covered in clay tiles. Moreover, the design adapts to the terrain by developing on two levels. This division maximizes space utility, clearly delineating social and private areas within the home.

Sustainable Construction

Workers built the structure using reinforced concrete and hollow brick masonry. They laid down polished concrete floors, enhancing the seamless flow across rooms. A local carpenter performed all carpentry work, sticking to time-honored techniques.

Indoor-Outdoor Synergy

The design fosters a robust link between the indoor and outdoor environments, featuring vertical openings that echo traditional local architecture. Open patios pepper the layout, improving the home’s ventilation and lighting, which boosts thermal and energy efficiency.

The house subtly utilizes its natural backdrop, with strategically placed windows framing stunning landscape views, thus solidifying its integration into the local setting.

Photography courtesy of Garcês

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- by Matt Watts