Reflected coastline
Reflected coastline
CASCAIS (PT) - Cascais is a seaside town some 30 kilometres south of Lisbon. Its main avenue, and the first for those arriving from the north, is Avenida Marginal, which runs along the waterfront. The Estoril Sol Residence, from an architectural and planning point of view, one of the most interesting large-scale building complexes in Portugal in recent years, has been built at this point of entry to the town.
Two major objectives were set for the project: on one hand, reconciling the division between the sea/lower level and the park/higher level by expanding the existing park at the top of the slope; and on the other, creating a luxury residential building that would make the most of the excellent location.
The complex is based on the idea of three regular square-plan buildings, but as the complex rises, it assumes greater freedom in terms of volume, pushing out towards the most distinctive topographical directions: the park at the rear and the coastline in front.
The building's image is designed to make a strong, self-referential statement and to create a powerful relationship with the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. Given its privileged location, Gonçalo Byrne architects decided to create an articulated structure with generous glazed areas. The big, floor-to-ceiling windows are not just another programmatic requirement but are, in fact, the key design element of the project. They open fully, permitting magnificent views of the sea and creating an intense spatial experience in the interior of the apartments.
Glass is here the material masterpiece. While providing safety and protection – even the balustrades are in glass – it also accomplishes to perfection its major ambition: total transparency. (Carlos M. Guimarães)
Glass |
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