Casa Montemuro | Paulo Moreira

Casa Montemuro is located in the village of Campo Benfeito, in the heart of the Serra de Montemuro, a natural landscape in the interior of Portugal. This project reflects a context-sensitive approach, integrating regional elements with new contemporary interventions. The design of the house emerges from a desire to reinterpret Montemuro’s vernacular architecture, establishing a dialogue between local construction techniques, the memory of the village, and new references.

The use of local materials, such as natural wood, is harmonised with the integration of hand-made tiles created exclusively for this house, adding a distinctive character to the project. These choices allow the house to blend subtly into the mountainous landscape, while also evoking the tones of the distant sea – an important element in the owner’s personal journey and identity.

The interior spaces were designed with fluidity, favouring the entry of natural light and establishing a continuous relationship between the different rooms. The spatial organisation consists of an upper floor with a social character and a lower floor dedicated to privacy. In the transitional space between the two levels, a ceramic mural introduces a strong material expression. A long wooden shelving unit summarises the emphasis on functionality, without compromising aesthetics and refinement.

This project also pays tribute to the rural way of life of Campo Benfeito, contributing to the preservation of the region’s cultural and landscape heritage. Casa Montemuro embodies a balance between architectural modernity and respect for tradition, becoming a landmark in the dialogue between nature and human craftsmanship.

project team
Paulo Moreira, Hermínio Santos, Flavia Micelli

client
private

builder
Sergio Carneiro

year
2019-24

building area
60 m2

photography
Ivo Tavares Studio