The Box XL Houses is a seven houses development arranged in a diverse way, creating different relationships with the environment. The aim was to achieve a balance between the “constructed” and the “natural”, between the “mass” and the “void” so that these two antagonistic realities would form a peaceful and continuous dialogue, enhancing each other. The idea adopted in the project and the division of the lots was carried out to allow the creation of space between the constructed mass, thus obtaining a visual permeability with the landscape.
The house design is practical at one level, the spaces naturally adapt a functional program. At the lower level is the garage, entrance and storage area, which is accessed from a private road specially constructed for this development.
The clarity and pragmatism with which the design of the houses is faced, is likewise reflected in the constructive options and materiality. The choice of materials that compose the interior space, was studied in order to evidence the fluidity of the space, evidencing the natural and successive continuity of its uses. Externally it seeks a succession of pure volumes, with raw materials, counterpointing to the green spaces and natural elements creating a new landscape. Therefore, the Box XL Houses establish a harmonious relationship with its surroundings.
Project name: Box XL Houses
Architect’s Firm: Grupo Zegnea, www.zegnea.com
Project location: Guimarães, Portugal
Completion Year: 2019
Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 4658 m2
Lead Architects: Hugo Lobo, Eugénio Ribeiro
Other participants: Collaborators: António Póvoas, Diogo Rodrigues, Mariana Rodrigues, Duarte Ramos, Sandra Sanroque, Rita Poças
Photo credits: João Morgado, www.joaomorgado.com
