A small house, but a big challenge. When Dr. Francisco Gomes asked me what I thought of this 350m2 lot, two ideas immediately jumped out. On the one hand, we have a very small lot for a 3 bedroom residential program, mainly because there was already an existing ruin "shortening" the lot, but also because of the steep slope in this small space. But on the other hand, we had a very good location and a wide view over the city of Funchal. 

The architecture had to respond. It was necessary to make the most out of these difficulties, to integrate the house in the small lot, taking advantage of its characteristics. On the other hand, the interior space had to be defragmented to create more differentiated experiences. And, of course, we would have to take advantage of the good sun exposure and unobstructed views, taking into account the houses around us.
So the strategy for the development of the architectural project was launched, which would also have to take into account Francisco's good ideas about how he wanted to enjoy his house, with differentiated social spaces in the social area, some versatility in the more private program, and garden spaces where there could be a swimming pool.

Thus was born, in this small rectangular plot of land, inserted in an area occupied by villas and overlooking the bay of Funchal, facing south, this house results in a response to the strong constraints found in the terrain and the construction regulations to which the area is subjected. Considering the distances and the construction and implantation indexes, we started a 3 bedroom program stratified by compartments and interconnected by a staircase in which each level is accessed by only one flight.
All the compartments have large windows facing the view and the surrounding patio. Since this is a small house, it was important to maximize space. One way to do this was to take advantage of the interior accesses and its intermediate landing. This way, two distinct, communicating areas were created. It gives the feeling of a more versatile space. The house is small but can have a greater diversity of environments.
This strategy also applies to the lower floor, creating an area of greater privacy. The southern elevation is then characterized by large windows.
glazing. The shading is done through canopies that protect the interior areas and extend the house to the outside. The appearance of the house reflects this set of values, but also creates in its volumes a dynamic that makes the house a more interesting object.