House ALM

House ALM (2014) from Estudio ODS Arquitectos at the Rua da Liberdade 89 is a project In the urban context of Tavira's inner city. A renovation on a narrow plot with peculiar limits that holds an old house with two floors and a roof attic. Over time the plot has changed its limits and new constructions whas blocking the natural light and ventilation. The house is located between two streets; the main access is made in the north side and a secondary access is made by the south throw a especially narrow corridor.

The depth of the plot suggest us a courtyard somewhere in the middle that allows natural light and ventilation to come inside the house. The courtyard works as the new center of the house in which an exterior three level promenade is initiated.

The exterior stair works has a connection element of the three levels promenade; starting in the ground floor courtyard which offers light and ventilation to the living room and the kitchen; following to the next level terrace to a raised water tank; the last level terrace offers a unique cityscape view of Tavira and a roof attic.

The materials looks for the simplicity found in Algarve's vernacular architecture; on the ground floor hydraulic mosaics; the first floor solid wood for private areas. Grey polished concrete covers all the outside areas. A red door spots the house in both elevations.

Copyright Estudio ODS & Photographer Ricardo Santos. Photos from site: https://www.archdaily.com/786275/house-alm-estudio-ods