A Sanctuary Hidden Underground

Seamlessly blending into the landscape, this house by architect Manuel Aires Mateus remains almost invisible at first glance. A narrow staircase, carved into the earth, suddenly emerges, leading down as if to a hidden underground retreat.

Beyond a small atrium—where the warmth of wooden walls offers a subtle hint of what’s to come—two corridors open into rooms facing the outdoors. Here, expansive openings in reinforced concrete frame breathtaking views of the Great Lake of Alqueva. 

At the heart of the house lies a central patio, an inviting space where time seems to slow, drawing us into the vast horizon and rugged surroundings. Above, a soaring, suspended vault shelters this open-air sanctuary, providing shade from the scorching summer sun and protection from the cold, harsh winter winds.