A cube, cuboid and cylinder intersect to create architecture studio in Portugal

Three distinct geometric forms offer different working environments inside Nelson Resende’s self-designed office in Arada, northern Portugal.

The three beige-rendered forms are set in a slender plot between two crop fields. Resende’s ideal to house his office within three separate forms – a cylinder, cube and cuboid – originated from his need for an option to create two separate workspaces.

The blocks are arranged at an angle to oneanother and skewered together by short connecting corridors, allowing the space to be used as one or independently.

The cylindrical volume, which has the smallest footprint of the three forms, is lined with shelves used to display architectural models and books, and contains a table to create a quiet workspace. A russet coloured gate made of weathering steel extends across a lane running alongside this office, meaning it can be completely severed the from rest of the building when required to give only access from a private house to its rear.  

The three beige-rendered forms are set in a slender plot between two crop fields

Adjacent to the circular office is the largest of the blocks – a board room with a toilet contained within a rectangular floorplan. The final box provides the main workspace, with a pair of desks and drawing board naturally illuminated by three tall windows facing into a gravel-covered patio that has been planted with trees.

Angular patios extending in front of the sliding glazing of each block accentuate the bold geometric forms. In addition to the glass doors, one corner of the cube and cylinder is cut away to form recessed entrances.

The exteriors are smooth-rendered in a muted beige and finished with eaveless roofs that preserve the “purity” of the forms. The interiors have an equally restrained appearance, with bare concrete floors and white painted walls that reflect the sunlight from skylights in each of the roofs.

Architect :
Nelson Resende
Engineer:
Sandra Leite
Area:
120 sqm
Completion:
2017

Inspired by nature

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