Contributed by Marina Correa fernando guerra (fg + sg) was responsible for the photos; thanks! In the ancient urban neighborhood of Parede, Portugal, the architectural studio humberto conde has built a rectilinear summer villa that stands in stark contrast to those of its neighbors… The visitor is almost immediately engaged with the open interior-scape of the house since entry is gained to it by an inclined ramp that unfolds the glass-encased dwelling. The house has two stories. As a result of the home’s orientation along an east-west axis, each room has a dynamic play of light and shadow that responds to the changing position of the sun throughout the day. The bedrooms and baths that are located on the first level, in turn, are exposed to natural light and airflow over the course of the day. A third bedroom is located on the second floor, and it has access to natural light as well as a strong link with the terrace that faces west. On this terrace, there is a tiny enclosed courtyard that serves as a simulation, and a single tree provides a touch of greenery. The living room develops a tight connection with the garden and the swimming pool that is located beyond it as the house engages in a conversation with the surrounding natural environment. There is careful attention paid to the details, such as the fact that a little area of dirt has been coated in white stones so that it complements the home’s beautiful white front. While the hardwood flooring lends an air of coziness to the otherwise all-white interior, it also makes a powerful statement about how well wood and white complement one another. The use of soft furnishings, utilitarian accessories, and furniture items all contribute to the subtle introduction of color. In keeping with the overall style, minimalist design sensibilities are abundant. Even the clean, straight lines of the furniture were hand-picked to blend in, and the whiteness of the space adds on to the almost perfectly articulated chiaroscuro elements. In addition, the furniture was chosen to blend in with the overall style. Fully foldable windows, which give the home a distinct persona and, curiously, convert the inside into a perfectly sealed rectangular block, are responsible for this transformation. When the window is opened, the panel folds in half to create an awning, creating a pleasantly different-aligned dwelling that, in its simplicity and sleek contemporaneity, encourages a casual interaction with the environment that surrounds it. Please visit globalhop.indiaartndesign.com in order to see the photographs.