Articles Recognitions

Mother, daughter, granddaughter

In the winding avenues with names that transport us to international holiday destinations or in chalets surrounded by extensive gardens, Monte Estoril preserves the memory of its past as a summer retreat until the mid-20th century. Vila Sarah, located at the intersection of Rua de Trouville and Rua de Nice, is a remarkable example of this architectural landscape that evokes bygone times.

The history of Vila Sarah is a story of love and family. Built as a summer getaway, in tribute to the wife of the owner, it exudes a simultaneously modern and romantic aura. Over the decades, the villa went through different phases, and subsequent constructions around it, devoid of significant architectural and historical interest, ended up adding visual weight to the ensemble, obscuring the original building.

The proposed intervention aims to reclaim the original purpose of Vila Sarah – residential – and continue the family's story through four main axes. Firstly, the rehabilitation and conservation of Vila Sarah itself, restoring it to its well-deserved prominence. Secondly, the reinterpretation of a second existing building on the property, Vila Helena, in a more contemporary language. Thirdly, the construction of a new housing nucleus, Vila Ema, also with a more current character. To these three buildings, representing the mother, daughter, and granddaughter, a fourth core is added, where apartments organized in a courtyard-villa format are developed. With a more discreet aesthetic and garden-covered roofs, this addition reinvents the formal relationships between the various parts, giving the ensemble a lighter and more verdant appearance.

The program comprises 11 apartments and five villas. The influence of the summer retreat past is evident in each unit, with extensive south-facing terraces providing views of the sea, while private gardens harmoniously integrate with the residences. Each core has its unique personality and distinct characteristics, culminating in a cohesive and truly one-of-a-kind ensemble.

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In the winding avenues with names that transport us to international holiday destinations or in chalets surrounded by extensive gardens, Monte Estoril preserves the memory of its past as a summer retreat until the mid-20th century. Vila Sarah, located at the intersection of Rua de Trouville and Rua de Nice, is a remarkable example of this architectural landscape that evokes bygone times.

The history of Vila Sarah is a story of love and family. Built as a summer getaway, in tribute to the wife of the owner, it exudes a simultaneously modern and romantic aura. Over the decades, the villa went through different phases, and subsequent constructions around it, devoid of significant architectural and historical interest, ended up adding visual weight to the ensemble, obscuring the original building.

The proposed intervention aims to reclaim the original purpose of Vila Sarah – residential – and continue the family's story through four main axes. Firstly, the rehabilitation and conservation of Vila Sarah itself, restoring it to its well-deserved prominence. Secondly, the reinterpretation of a second existing building on the property, Vila Helena, in a more contemporary language. Thirdly, the construction of a new housing nucleus, Vila Ema, also with a more current character. To these three buildings, representing the mother, daughter, and granddaughter, a fourth core is added, where apartments organized in a courtyard-villa format are developed. With a more discreet aesthetic and garden-covered roofs, this addition reinvents the formal relationships between the various parts, giving the ensemble a lighter and more verdant appearance.

The program comprises 11 apartments and five villas. The influence of the summer retreat past is evident in each unit, with extensive south-facing terraces providing views of the sea, while private gardens harmoniously integrate with the residences. Each core has its unique personality and distinct characteristics, culminating in a cohesive and truly one-of-a-kind ensemble.