Quinta dos Carvalhos

Initially envisioned with just two buildings —the main house and the garage—the project’s scope expanded as the sketches took shape. A neighbouring plot was acquired to incorporate two additional volumes: a guesthouse and the pool house. Interestingly enough, construction followed the reverse order of the original concept, with the guesthouse built first, followed by the pool house and garage, and only then the main house.

This reverse planning was no coincidence. It allowed the builders to optimise the innovative zinc structure construction concept, testing and refining the process building by building, so that by the time the main house was built, the method was perfectly honed.

Contrary to what you might expect, the dense forest did not compromise solar gains or natural light entering the spaces. Large glass surfaces were strategically positioned to maximize the sense of transparency, merging indoor and outdoor life meticulously.

In the garage, a five-metre-tall glass façade was created with the ConceptSystem 50 stick façade solution. This choice, uncommon in residential buildings, reflects the care with which the project was designed to perfectly adapt to the owner's needs in both form and function.

In the other three buildings, different solutions were used. HiFinity floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding systems combine contemporary, minimalist aesthetics with remarkable performance—a blend of attributes unmatched in the market. For Quinta dos Carvalhos, the architects chose a HiFinity variant with a concealed “zero threshold”, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. For the casement windows, SlimLine 38-Ferro captures the charm of traditional steel windows, but with all the benefits aluminium has to offer. Both solutions, crafted in 100% recyclable aluminium, are Cradle to Cradle certified, underscoring their highly circular design.

The dense foliage typical of a deciduous forest also posed challenges for drainage, especially on the roof. In Autumn, when the leaves fall down in a flurry of colours, clogging might occur. In this case, too, a naturally ingenious solution was adopted. The roof experiences maximal wind exposure, creating an organic self-cleaning mechanism. As a result, there is less need for regular and costly maintenance that would be expected with conventional gutters.

The homeowner played a central role in this project realisation. With deep knowledge of the land and each tree inhabiting it, they challenged Inception to create a daring made-to-measure design that respected the natural surroundings. This collaborative work – strengthened by the expertise of Reynaers Aluminium – resulted in a unique project perfectly harmonized with its luscious setting. From the first concept to final delivery, Quinta dos Carvalhos has remained true to its commitment to the environment: rather than imposing changes on the landscape, it leveraged the unique characteristics of the site to its advantage.