Vivenda Estelita / Gabrita house - architect J.Matamouros 1960

Joao Matamouros is the designer of Vivenda Estalita/ Gabrita house (1960) on the corner of Rua da Olivenca and built for Mr. Cabrita - a custom police lieutenant - and his family. The house and its contemporary appearance created - together with the other houses - a sort of modernist enclave for the local elite.

The neighboring house in the Rua de’O Algarve is a residential home designed by architect Manuel Gomes da Costa for the Dr Matos, the towns public health delegate.

Opposite are the modern twin residences for the magistrates of the court. Vivenda Estalita/ Gabrita house stands out through the confetti-like mosaics at the background of a pronounced cubist façade with beautiful contrasting tiles in a special geometric motif. The balconies designed as open boxes look as crowns glued to the front- and side wall.

Photographs: John Shepherd a.o.