A Harmonious Blend of Privacy and Nature: The House in Boavista by Topos Atelier de Arquitectura

October 2, 2023

The heart of Porto, along a tranquil street perpendicular to the bustling Avenida da Boavista, stands a testament to architectural brilliance and aesthetic finesse - the House in Boavista designed by Topos Atelier de Arquitectura. This residence, carefully nestled within its urban surroundings, is a model of privacy seamlessly integrated with nature. Behind its walls, gates, and discreet facade lies a sanctuary that perfectly balances modern design and natural serenity.



At the core of this architectural marvel lies the innovative use of OTIIMA frame systems, which marrie form and function seamlessly. The Plus System, a reimagined minimal frame system, graces the windows, offering high performance and homogeneous aesthetics. The Classic System, with its functional elegance, redefines the traditional frame concept, while the Open System extends living spaces by offering inward and outward opening configurations. These systems not only define the architectural essence of the house but also contribute to its visual appeal.


See all systems

 

The social spaces of the house are ingeniously organised on the ground floor. Visitors are greeted by an expansive view stretching from the garden entrance. Here, the games room, dining room, and living room - adorned with double-height ceilings - create an inviting ambience. A concealed passage leads to the kitchen and service spaces below, including a garage, laundry, gym, and storage areas.



All glazing on the ground floor opens to the captivating garden. One remarkable feature is the large OTIIMA vertical opening in the living room, framing a camphor tree and a century-old cedar, creating a connection with nature that is as aesthetic as it is immersive. The design, including the white concrete chimney with bas-relief motifs, harmoniously complements the outdoor landscape, seamlessly integrating the interior and exterior spaces.



A continuous staircase, illuminated by natural light, guides inhabitants to the upper floors. The first floor houses a guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, two bedrooms in a duplex layout, and a library/office on a mezzanine overlooking the living room. These spaces open onto a spacious terrace, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. On the second floor, the staircase leads to a double bedroom with a dressing room and en-suite bathroom, and each room opens onto private, lush terraces. This vertical arrangement maximizes the connection with nature, ensuring every corner of the house is bathed in natural light and greenery.


Read also - Enhancing Jerusalem's Skyline: The Intercontinental Hotel Jerusalem



Beyond its architectural layout, the House in Boavista embodies the precision of execution, focusing on the expressive quality of concrete. The design, meticulous in its attention to detail, evokes a sense of touch, bringing an added dimension to the living experience. Every form, every line, retains the memory of dedicated manual craftsmanship, creating a home that is not just lived in but experienced.

The House in Boavista is a testament to the synergy between architectural innovation, natural harmony, and meticulous craftsmanship. Through the lens of OTIIMA frame systems, this residence becomes a canvas where privacy, nature, and design converge, offering its inhabitants a truly exceptional living experience in the heart of Porto's vibrant landscape.



Photography all rights reserved: Joao Morgado

Article Source: Archdaily



By OTIIMA MMTW March 27, 2025
March 27 marks the anniversary of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His philosophy, built on clarity, simplicity, and material honesty, continues to inspire contemporary architecture. His work embodies a timeless vision that remains as relevant as ever. Here are five key lessons architects today can learn from Mies van der Rohe. Less is More Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in structures that are modern and enduring.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 20, 2025
Scandinavian architecture and design represent a deep connection between nature, functionality, and the human experience. Grounded in a landscape of vast fjords, endless forests, and soft northern light, it reflects a unique philosophy and way of life. The Origins  The origins of Scandinavian architecture date back to the Viking era, when timber structures and intricate carvings reflected a profound connection to materiality and craftsmanship. As centuries unfolded, this reverence for natural materials persisted, evolving with the changing needs of modern society. The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of Nordic Classicism, a restrained yet elegant style that soon gave way to a more functional and human-centric approach: Scandinavian Modernism.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 13, 2025
Belgium’s topography is a delicate balance between history and modernity. From Bruges's medieval charm to Antwerp and Brussels's bold contemporary structures, architecture here is a study in balance. Minimalism finds a profound expression where clean lines, raw materials, and seamless transitions define space. At OTIIMA, we are privileged to contribute to this evolving narrative, shaping spaces where glass dissolves into air, thresholds blur, and architecture becomes an experience. In Belgium, three projects reference our philosophy: Villa Izegem, Villa P, and Villa V à Harelbeke. Villa Izegem | Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects Villa Izegem is an ode to minimalism in its purest form. Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects sculpted a space where vast glass expanses erase the boundary between nature and dwelling. The land breathes through the structure, light carving its way across surfaces, shifting with time. OTIIMA’s ultra-slim profiles amplify this sense of weightlessness, ensuring that nothing interrupts the dialogue between inside and out. The villa is not simply inhabited; it’s a quiet retreat where transparency is the ultimate luxury.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 8, 2025
Visionary minds have long shaped the architecture industry, yet women architects have fought for recognition in a male-dominated field for decades. Today, their contributions are undeniable, with groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of design, functionality, and sustainability. This article highlights a few remarkable projects led by women architects that demonstrate their profound impact on modern architecture. 1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid  Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a remarkable example of architectural fluidity and innovation. The building features a sinuous, wave-like form that challenges traditional architectural norms, creating an uninterrupted spatial experience. Renowned for her bold and futuristic designs, Hadid proved that architecture can be functional and sculptural. The center is a cultural hub that embodies modernity and movement in its design.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 6, 2025
Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been honored with the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, recognizing his contributions to contemporary architecture. This prestigious award, often called the "Nobel Prize of Architecture," celebrates Liu's work, which harmoniously blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern functionality.
By OTIIMA MMTW February 27, 2025
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, the spotlight is once again on the art of filmmaking, a fusion of storytelling, visual composition, and immersive world-building. Among the many crafts that shape a film’s identity, set design plays a pivotal role in defining cinematic spaces' realism and aesthetic coherence. The relationship between film and architecture is more than just a visual spectacle; it studies how space, light, and structure influence perception and emotion. 
By OTIIMA MMTW February 20, 2025
Mário Martins is synonymous with elegant architectural language that integrates contemporary design with the raw beauty of the Algarve. His projects embrace southern Portugal's unique topography, light, and atmosphere, crafting sculptural spaces intimately connected to their surroundings. At the core of his work is a dedication to purity, fluidity, and precision. This article explores three extraordinary residences where OTIIMA’s minimalist window systems enhance the architectural vision: Libre House, Voluta House, and Lioz House. Libre House  Perched atop a gentle slope, Casa Libre epitomizes the dialogue between architecture and nature. Its monolithic white forms contrast with the rugged landscape, creating a visual serenity that extends beyond its physical boundaries. The expansive glass façades dissolve the separation between interior and exterior, framing panoramic views of the Atlantic horizon. Here, ‘liberty’ is a tangible experience of openness, weightlessness, and a deep connection with the surrounding elements.
By OTIIMA MMTW February 13, 2025
The essence of the Vision system is the art of framing nature without intrusion. Inspired by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s "less is more" philosophy and Le Corbusier’s concept of the horizontal window, Vision transcends conventional boundaries to create a connection between interior and exterior spaces. A Revolution in Minimalist Design  Minimalist architecture is about purity, function, and seamless integration. Vision system sliding windows redefine architectural transparency by eliminating visual obstructions and maximizing natural light. Unlike traditional systems that rely on frames as structural supports, Vision takes a radical approach: glass becomes the self-supporting element, free to slide without dimensional constraints. The result is a panoramic window that dissolves the barriers between solid and void, between built form and nature. The frame no longer dictates design but transforms into a discreet guide, leveling out across the periphery and erasing all intrusive lines. The transition between indoors and outdoors is no longer an interruption but a fluid continuum. Read also- Less Is More: The Path of Minimalism in Architecture
By OTIIMA MMTW February 6, 2025
Situated in Santa Barbara, 845 Sea Ranch Drive offers expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by The Warner Group, this residence showcases luxury interwoven with advanced design principles and the natural environment. Architecture and Landscape The home presents a subtle façade from the exterior, whereas the interior reveals designed spaces that engage seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Expansive glass doors and adaptive skylights eliminate barriers between indoor and outdoor environments. This design strategy allows natural light and ocean breezes to permeate the space while the elevated residence positioning optimizes panoramic views toward the horizon.
By OTIIMA MMTW January 9, 2025
Munich is celebrated for its significant cultural legacy and avant-garde architecture, and it is an active participant in the discourse of design and creativity. As you engage with the innovative spirit of the BAU fair, consider exploring five key sites that exemplify Munich's architectural and artistic ethos. 1. Pinakothek der Moderne This institution is a paradigm of modernity, housing one of Europe's largest collections dedicated to modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. Conceived by architect Stephan Braunfels, the structure features a rigorous minimalist aesthetic of concrete and glass, promoting an integrated experience between the exhibits and the architectural frame. The Design Museum within is particularly noteworthy, as it traces the evolution of industrial design from its inception to the present. See also- January 2025 Agenda: A Global Month for Architects and Designers
More Posts
Share by: