Residential Expansion Balancing Buildings and Open Spaces

Residential Expansion and the Use of Adjacent Spaces

The residential expansion project was carried out by integrating the neighboring plot while preserving its natural form and existing vegetation system. This approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding the immediate environment and the surrounding urban context, while taking advantage of available opportunities to develop the space without compromising the original character of the residence.

Organization of New Buildings and Open Spaces

The proposal introduced two new buildings arranged along the longitudinal axis of the plot, creating open spaces between them. These areas function as pathways and small courtyards that encourage pause and relaxation, strengthening the interaction between the buildings and the surrounding natural environment. The design demonstrates how architecture can merge structure and landscape to create diverse zones of use that balance privacy and openness.

The Relationship Between Buildings and Nature

The landscape design highlights the role of the built environment in enhancing the user experience, as the buildings are thoughtfully connected to vegetation and construction elements such as concrete and brick. These arrangements generate perforated walls that provide privacy in certain areas, while opening up pleasant views and spaces for relaxation in others.

The Front Wing and Its Functions

One of the new buildings, a small wing located near the street, was designed to accommodate two units, with the front portion dedicated to bedrooms. This layout reinforces privacy and tranquility, illustrating how architectural design can balance the various functions of a residence with its open spaces.

A small wooden guest wing with a traditional pitched roof nestled among dense tropical foliage. — The front wing near the street is designed for privacy, housing bedrooms within a structure that respects the original site’s scale. (Image © Manuel Sá)

Side view of the wooden residential wing showcasing the blend of concrete foundation and timber framing. — Elevated flooring prevents soil moisture from affecting the timber structure, ensuring long-term durability and environmental balance. (Image © Manuel Sá)

Central glass-walled pavilion with a tilted wooden roof surrounded by tropical plants and a manicured lawn. — The central pavilion features large sliding glass frames that dissolve the boundaries between the interior activity space and the exterior garden. (Image © Manuel Sá)

Open-air social area with an outdoor kitchen, dining table, and large veranda overlooking the pool. — The central pavilion extends into a wide veranda, seamlessly linking indoor social gatherings with the pool area. (Image © Manuel Sá)

The Central Wing and Activity Space

The other wing, more central and transparent in character, is distinguished by its angled placement on the plot and its flexible use of space. It features a central area measuring 9 × 9 meters, free of columns at both the corners and the center, creating a generous open space adaptable to various activities such as meetings or social gatherings. This design reflects the importance of flexibility in contemporary residential architecture, allowing spaces to evolve in response to the changing needs of occupants.

Secondary Facilities and Functional Distribution

In addition to the open central area, the wing includes dedicated spaces for specific functions, such as bathrooms, a home cinema lounge, and an outdoor kitchen. A spacious terrace with a large table overlooking the garden and swimming pool was also incorporated, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor activities and enriching the overall user experience.

Relationship with the Original Buildings

In harmony with the traditional character of the existing structures, the new constructions feature sloped roofs clad in clay tiles, as well as flat roofs made of waterproof membranes or glass. These elements reflect a balance between preserving the architectural identity of the site and introducing modern design approaches that meet the needs of contemporary living.

Detailed architectural floor plan of the residential expansion including the pool, garden, and pavilion layouts. — The site plan illustrates the strategic placement of the new pavilions to maximize open space and preserve the existing flora.

Interior view of a high-ceilinged wooden pavilion with exposed beams and a central skylight. — The 9×9 meter central space is free of internal columns, offering maximum flexibility for various social activities. (Image © Manuel Sá)

Modular Design and Economic Efficiency

The new structural system reflects the use of modular and harmonious designs, enhancing spatial logic and increasing construction efficiency from an economic standpoint. This approach relies on organizing units in a way that maximizes resource utilization, while maintaining high execution quality and ensuring ease of long-term maintenance.

Material Diversity and Structural System

Areas equipped with hydraulic installations are built on a robust concrete structure, while wooden frameworks are used in the remaining zones, with the floor level elevated to prevent ground moisture impact. This material variation demonstrates how the combination of concrete and timber can meet diverse functional requirements while preserving environmental and aesthetic balance. For more details, consult the material datasheets.

Connecting Interior and Exterior Spaces

Sliding frames are seamlessly integrated into the design to link interior spaces with the outdoor garden, enhancing the user experience by allowing natural light and air to flow freely. This strategy creates a continuous dialogue between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

Night view of the illuminated modern residence expansion with a glowing central pavilion and blue twilight sky. — At night, the transparency of the central wing turns the building into a lantern within the garden landscape. (Image © Manuel Sá)

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The residential expansion project offers a clear example of how adjacent spaces can be utilized to strengthen the connection between buildings and the natural environment, while incorporating open areas and diverse functions. On the positive side, the project demonstrates a commitment to preserving existing natural elements and linking interior spaces to the garden, thereby enhancing the user experience and allowing flexibility in spatial use.

However, from an analytical architectural perspective, it can be observed that the reliance on modular structuring and large open central areas may impose limitations on future expansion or alternative reuse, particularly if residents’ needs or activities evolve over time. Moreover, the use of sloped roofs and clay tiles, while preserving the traditional character, may require periodic maintenance and could limit adaptability to climatic changes or emerging construction technologies.

In addition, the dense functional distribution within the central wing, such as the multipurpose hall and outdoor kitchen, may create challenges in organizing daily circulation or maintaining privacy, especially during multiple simultaneous gatherings. These observations do not diminish the project’s value, but rather highlight the importance of forward-thinking strategies when designing similar residential extensions, in order to achieve a stronger balance between functional flexibility and architectural identity.

This project can be considered a valuable case study for illustrating the impact of open-space design and modular flexibility on user experience, while also shedding light on aspects that may require refinement or improvement in future residential expansion developments.