CC House – Quinta dos Carvalhos | Inception Architects Studio

The CC House – Quinta dos Carvalhos, is a project that stands out for its profound harmony between architecture and nature. Set on a two-hectare plot in the Leiria region, the house was designed with an unwavering respect for the surrounding environment, where the built structure does not impose itself on the landscape but rather adapts to it. The result is an organic and sensitive integration that transforms the house into a refuge where the natural and the constructed coexist in perfect harmony.

The layout of the four buildings that make up CC House—Garage, Barn, Bell House, and Black Bird House—was carefully planned to preserve the site’s original topography. The volumes were strategically positioned on naturally formed plateaus, developing on a single level to minimize visual impact. The choice of materials—concrete, wood, and zinc—reflects the pursuit of a refined architectural language, where simplicity highlights the site’s intrinsic beauty.

Every detail of the project reinforces the connection between architecture and nature. The construction process, spanning over eight years, is a testament to the care and dedication invested in this endeavor. Preserving the existing vegetation was an absolute priority, with the buildings carefully designed to embrace the centuries-old trees, avoiding any aggressive intervention in the land. The orientation of the buildings and the placement of openings were meticulously planned to maximize natural light and promote cross-ventilation, creating comfortable spaces that are perfectly adapted to the local climate.

The client, a native of the region with a deep understanding of the landscape, currently lives and works in Lisbon, where he manages a law firm. He saw this project as an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and rediscover the serenity of the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. More than just a house, the CC House represents a return to origins and a commitment to the essence of the place.

The surrounding natural environment played a key role in every design decision. One of the challenges was managing the dense tree canopy, primarily composed of cork oaks and holm oaks, whose leaves accumulate on the ground during the colder months. To address this issue, it was crucial to incorporate an efficient self-cleaning system and rainwater drainage into the roof design.

The chosen solution consisted of sloped zinc-clad roofs, whose inclination, combined with the action of wind and rainwater, allows leaves to be naturally removed. They are directed to the ground, where they can be easily collected by the maintenance team. This technical approach ensures not only the functionality and longevity of the roofs but also the harmonious integration of the buildings into the landscape.

Despite the serene atmosphere and neutral color palette of the property, a few design pieces play a prominent role, introducing an artistic and expressive discourse. Many were acquired by the client over the years, while others were selected specifically for this project. Among them, the Bull & Stein apple sculpture (Artist Edition by Bruno Jorge Monteiro e Silva – Porto and Apple Sculpture by Lisa Pappon – São Paulo, Brazil), placed next to the Pool House, stands out. With its vibrant colors, this piece intentionally contrasts with the site’s natural tones, asserting itself as a focal point of artistic expression within the architectural ensemble.

At CC House, architecture does not seek to dominate the landscape but rather to engage in a subtle and respectful dialogue with it. The project reflects an approach where the built environment adapts to the natural surroundings, ensuring that the house not only inhabits the land but truly understands and celebrates it.

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