The raw blue of concrete
In picturesque Sintra, surrounded by vineyards and forests, the Spanish studio Arquitectura-G has breathed new life into a forgotten farm building, transforming a former winery and servants’ quarters into a modern, light-filled home.
Author: MG
Project by Arquitectura-G
Photos by Francisco Ascensão and Maxime Delvaux
House II marks the third chapter in a long-term project to revitalize the historic Quinta de Recreio estate in Portugal. Led by Arquitectura-G, the initiative focuses on conservation, restoration, and creating new spatial possibilities.
The overarching goal of the project is to revive the entire estate and its vineyards, establishing a self-sufficient ecosystem where architecture coexists harmoniously with the landscape, gardens, orchards, and animals.
Originally, the building served as both a winery and living quarters for workers. It consisted of multiple sections and staircases that formed a labyrinthine structure. The new design preserves the spirit of that layout but reinterprets it as a cohesive, single-family home.
Strict preservation rules and regulations did not allow for major alterations to the building’s volume or façades. The architects responded to these constraints with a gesture that is both subtle and decisive.
After completely clearing out the interior and leaving only the outer walls, a new structure made of blue-tinted concrete was inserted into the space. It rises from the cellar—still housing the winery—and spirals upward, connecting the house’s successive floors. The composition is crowned by a skylight that fills the interior with soft, diffused light.
photo: Maxime DelvauxThe ground floor has been designed as an open space integrating the kitchen, dining area, and main living room, all organized around the staircase. On the upper floor, the bedrooms are located at both ends of the building, while at the center—beneath the skylight—there is an additional living area.
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