Since its construction in the early 1970s the boulder house (Portuguese: Casa do Penedo) has been part of the hilly landscape in the district of Fafe, northern Portugal. The position at the top of a hill allows a calming view across the region and tempts you to pause for a moment.
Many boulders characterise the landscape and tall grass covers the ground. The boulder house is embedded in an ensemble of rocks and integrates itself within its surrounding.
I remember arriving at this unusual place and confusing some boulders with the actual boulder house. En route to the house, I remember noticing singular boulders, which I expected to be the house. The mystery of not knowing what is constructed and what is natural creates suspense for the spectator until the very last moment. Part of the beauty lies in the fact that boulders surrounding the house could easily be mistaken for the actual house and vice versa, especially with the often foggy atmosphere surrounding the site.
The boulder house was built by a family with the intention of creating an isolated resting spot. A space for contemplation, which does not disturb nature. It has served as a protecting space in the middle of total isolation since its construction. The total isolation is not just guaranteed by the location, but also because the house works without electricity. A nearby pool serves as a water supply tank and provides some cooling during hot summer days.
In its frame, created by the four boulders, the boulder house consists of one large dining and kitchen room. Apart from this central space three small bedrooms and one toilet are accommodated on the higher floor. The haptic of the timber construction, built from local orange tree, gives the interior a warm and comfortable atmosphere, despite the often wet exterior. Interestingly the construction began with the roof and continued by closing all sides of the building. Due to this unconventional architectural approach, the building materials were protected from harsh climate and humidity during every phase of construction.Â
One of the specificities is the western elevation, which allows a lot of space for imagination by every individual visitor. As also the photos show, ambiguity plays a large role in the whole architectural project.
In order to make the area attractive for the next generation and to keep this contemplation spot, another boulder house with electric power supply, is currently under construction.
The specificities of this house make it such a surprising and unexpected experience. Feeling the rooms and the site in person allowed me to gain a completely different impression than photos I had seen prior to my visit. Casa do Penedo remains a unique architectural project within this northern Portuguese landscape – most certainly worth a visit.
Article and photos by: Bruno Weitkamp in collaboration with PIONIRA
Name: Casa do Penedo
Location: Fafe, Portugal
Type: Places
Â
Posted: March 2022
Categories:Â localism, portugal, raw materialsÂ
Since its construction in the early 1970s the boulder house (Portuguese: Casa do Penedo) has been part of the hilly landscape in the district of Fafe, northern Portugal. The position at the top of a hill allows a calming view across the region and tempts you to pause for a moment.
Many boulders characterise the landscape and tall grass covers the ground. The boulder house is embedded in an ensemble of rocks and integrates itself within its surrounding.
I remember arriving at this unusual place and confusing some boulders with the actual boulder house. En route to the house, I remember noticing singular boulders, which I expected to be the house. The mystery of not knowing what is constructed and what is natural creates suspense for the spectator until the very last moment. Part of the beauty lies in the fact that boulders surrounding the house could easily be mistaken for the actual house and vice versa, especially with the often foggy atmosphere surrounding the site.
The boulder house was built by a family with the intention of creating an isolated resting spot. A space for contemplation, which does not disturb nature. It has served as a protecting space in the middle of total isolation since its construction. The total isolation is not just guaranteed by the location, but also because the house works without electricity. A nearby pool serves as a water supply tank and provides some cooling during hot summer days.
In its frame, created by the four boulders, the boulder house consists of one large dining and kitchen room. Apart from this central space three small bedrooms and one toilet are accommodated on the higher floor. The haptic of the timber construction, built from local orange tree, gives the interior a warm and comfortable atmosphere, despite the often wet exterior. Interestingly the construction began with the roof and continued by closing all sides of the building. Due to this unconventional architectural approach, the building materials were protected from harsh climate and humidity during every phase of construction.Â
During my visit at the end of 2021, I was given a guided tour by the owner himself. Besides the interesting shape of the windows he also gave insight into anecdotes related to the house, its origins, the importance of the house for his family and the many visitors from all over the world.
One of the specificities is the western elevation, which allows a lot of space for imagination by every individual visitor. As also the photos show, ambiguity plays a large role in the whole architectural project.
In order to make the area attractive for the next generation and to keep this contemplation spot, another boulder house with electric power supply, is currently under construction.
The specificities of this house make it such a surprising and unexpected experience. Feeling the rooms and the site in person allowed me to gain a completely different impression than photos I had seen prior to my visit. Casa do Penedo remains a unique architectural project within this northern Portuguese landscape – most certainly worth a visit.
Article and photos by: Bruno Weitkamp in collaboration with PIONIRA
Name: Casa do Penedo
Location: Fafe, Portugal
Type: Places
Â
Posted: March 2022
Categories:Â localism, portugal, raw materialsÂ
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