Nature Houses, a cabin in Portugal

Architect Pedro Brígida Takes A Sculptural Approach To Minimalism In Wood

There's something almost sculptural about these three little houses. Built on the site of an old cottage by architect Pedro Brígida, they are located in glorious seclusion, in a small village on a winding mountain road about 40km from Coimbra.

Built in 2014 on the site of a 19th-century cottage, they are wonderfully simple - with bold lines and abundant natural wood. We love the way the furnishings blend into the walls and the rooms merge into each other.

The houses were conceived with a respect for the natural environment surrounding them. Local villagers helped build them and gave advice on local traditions and practices.

The houses collect rainwater, use solar panels, and have an underfloor heating system. They also have traditional wood ovens, made from clay bricks and tiles, that are perfect for making local cuisine like octopus or goat.

There is a natural pool on the property, which serves as both a swimming pool and a year-round aquatic ecosystem. The larger tank of the main pool overflows into a lower pond that has a more natural feel.

The three houses vary slightly, but all have kitchenettes with fridges, induction ovens, microwaves and Nespresso machines. They have large windows that open onto private terraces and the shared garden/pool.

LA SERRA DA LOUSA

The houses are located in Serra da Lousã, Central Portugal, two hours from both Porto and Lisbon and 40 minutes from Coimbra. It's a great location for outdoor activities. There are marked trails for sports like mountain biking and hiking, and in summer, there are fluvial beaches nearby and on the Atlantic coast an hour away.

Penela village (15 km) has a beautiful castle which has its origins in the 11th century, and inside it is the 12th-century Church of St Michael. A little farther afield are Lousã, which also has a great castle and some beautiful walking trails, and Montemor castle, near the rice fields of Mondego.