The Integrated Mountain Slope Home
Written by John Mackey
The good news is: you’re building your dream home on the steep slopes of a mountain overlooking a beautiful valley in Penafiel, Portugal. The bad news? You’re building your dream home on the steep slopes of a mountain overlooking a beautiful valley in Penafiel, Portugal. How many times have we witnessed a beautiful building site essentially destroyed by the sheer ostentatious enormity and lack of environmental aesthetics? Does building that mountaintop dream home always require removing the top of the mountain?
Architect Alvaro Leite Siza didn’t think so. Siza didn’t move mountains to create his compelling Tolo House. Quite the opposite. Siza let his contemporary design become one with the mountain by seamlessly integrating the dramatic design of the structure with the dramatic slope of the mountain terrain. The bare concrete façade of Tolo house blends with the natural rock. Its innovative use of interconnected modules creates separate elevated levels, providing occupants with access to the scenic outdoor spot. A hillside pool and garden area are connected by a footpath and stairs integrated into the mountain.
The stark and low-profile exterior is contrasted by the bright, minimalist interior living spaces. These spaces include curving and floating staircases leading to three bedrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen and shared bath. The natural wood flooring and staircases warm up the brilliant white walls. Large skylights flood the rooms with natural light from the structure’s southern exposure.
A review of the blueprints shows no plans for an elevator, tramway or human dumb waiters, so the aerobically-challenged would be well-advised to consult their physician before attempting a visit to Tolo House.
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