CASINHA DA MELROEIRA | Filipe Saraiva – Arquitectos

Built upon a pre-existing structure, the "Casinha da Melroeira," located in Ourém, follows the same volumetric language as the "Casa da Melroeira," situated on the adjacent plot. The two houses are connected by their pentagonal form; however, their scale and relationship with the context differ, resulting from their interaction with the immediate surroundings.

The design process of this dwelling was unique due to the familiarity with the place and the lasting image of the ruin that was an integral part of the landscape of Casa da Melroeira—the home of the architect. The symbolic weight of the ruin was always associated with the antiquity of the construction but, above all, with the threshing floor that once existed in front of the house, near the public road. It was this element that defined the starting point for the design of the Casinha: a house that develops around this center, towards which the main spaces—bedrooms and living room—are oriented.

Volumetrically, the limits of the pre-existing structure were maintained. Given the reduced size of the plot, voids carved into the mass of the volume allowed for the creation of diverse outdoor spaces that complement the interior use. These voids were deliberately not cut orthogonally to the exterior walls. Their orientation was determined by a search for different angles of natural light, allowing the interior spaces to experience varying atmospheres throughout the day. Additionally, the positioning of certain openings, namely in the office and the bathroom on the second floor, is strategically directed towards the Castle of Ourém, creating a framed view for those observing from inside.

As there was no final client for whom the house was designed, the challenge became the object itself: preserving the memory and presence of the house within its context while exploring the relationship between the body and family life in a compact space, without compromising the quality of spatial connections and the comfort of each environment.

Moreover, the circumstances allowed the project to become an experimental exercise—not only in terms of design, with details expressed in exterior metalwork (mailbox, railings, gargoyles, chimney, or even the firewood storage) but also in technical and construction solutions that enabled the volume to achieve continuity between walls and roof.

When we think of home, we inevitably associate it with a sense of refuge and a space that emotionally contributes to our well-being. Upon entering the Casinha, the immediate presence of a double-height ceiling—taking advantage of the pentagonal form of the volume—creates a spatial experience that conveys a great sense of openness, emphasized by depth and height. This space then leads to other moments that, in contrast to the first, adopt a more intimate scale that embraces its inhabitants.

Inside, the house thrives on this spatial diversity; however, the objects that compose it play a significant role. Several pieces of furniture were sourced from antique shops, natural elements were used as decorative pieces, and handcrafted objects were created by the architect himself. These include the blackbird sculpture placed in the niche above the entrance—a reference to the village of "Melroeira," named after the abundance of blackbirds in the area—the various paintings depicting blackbirds or perspectives of the house, the handmade mezzanine lamp, and the repurposed dining room light fixture. These elements coexist harmoniously with simple, commercially available decorative pieces and even the Shell chair by Hans Wegner, also acquired second-hand. 

This balance between memory, innovative technical solutions, and the recycling and reuse of elements grants the house not only a warm and welcoming atmosphere but also a distinct sense of sustainability.

Collaboration: Arq. Samuel Silva, Arq. Jéssica Casalinho

Photography: Ivo Tavares Studio