Lithuanian architecture studio Inblum had a specific objective: To make full use of the space available and to solve functionality problems, finally turning a moderately-sized flat of tight structure into a light, spacious home to comfortably accommodate its residents during their short stays in Vilnius. First and foremost, they got rid of the structure based on isolated rooms. Certain partitions were removed making place for the wide sliding doors, thus forming a common, multidimensional space. The flat became visually larger, and more of the facade window area came into view. The connection between the inner space, the terrace and the environment acquired greater integrity.

Practically all dwelling area was skirted with a wide windowsill. Besides combining the various-purpose zones into one common space, the windowsill incorporated heating radiators. Its living room section became an excellent chest of drawers to store lots of small things. A ventilation and air conditioning unit for the whole flat was integrated into the kitchen cabinet, while the lighting system was concealed in the suspended ceiling plane. The geometrical forms of the suspended ceiling compositionally united the living-room and the kitchen spaces, with all that they remained open, directed into the distance by dynamic lines.

Finally, the whole set of functional and aesthetical solutions made it possible to create a clean and harmonious space, open to life and improvisation. The “released” space becoming open, the environment flowed into it, with all its delicate sounds and tender colours, with the green domes of the opposite church reflecting in the windows.

This beautiful house is a project by Rui Cerqueira Barros architects, located in Lavra Matosinhos, Portugal. Inserted in a predominantly residential area, with strong growth in the last decade, the House of Agudela develops a plot of 350 square meters with three fronts, benefiting from a generous sun exposure and proximity to the sea.

The response to the program has undergone an adaptation of the client’s wishes to setup a home with plenty of character building that resulted in a sober and rational. A strong volume, black, where openings are carved, creating light leaks and patios, enhancing relations with the outside world and especially with light from south and west. The body of the garage was built in the house, creating a patio service north and a sheltered walkway entrance to the house, freeing the land to the south recreation area with pool, deck and garden.

The house is divided into three levels, the first being for the common areas, with living room, kitchen, laundry and garage. The middle floor houses the bedrooms and office, and the roof is going to create a second room, more intimate and reserved, which also benefits from a south facing terrace.