A quiet neighbourhood in the eastern part of Porto, Portugal, has a new architectural gem: Casa Pátios de Pétalas. Inspired by the beauty of nature, this contemporary home, designed by Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier, is an ode to minimalist elegance and fluid organic forms.
The house, named after flower petals (Pátios de Pétalas in Portuguese), exhibits a clean, white, minimalistic façade that perfectly blends with the surrounding environment. The property’s elegant form and flowing lines, akin to a flower’s petals, breathe life into its modern aesthetic, underlining the prowess of the Portuguese architectural studio.
Standing tall in the Gondomar neighborhood, the two-storey family home exudes a delicate balance of form, function, and nature. Distinguished by its curved white walls, the home’s design draws its inspiration directly from mother nature. The building’s organic form is a marvel to look at and effectively integrates the family home within its natural surroundings.
“The flower petals embrace the entire upper floor,” explains studio founder Sandra Casinha. The aesthetic strategy is clear: By restricting the material palette to white concrete, aluminum, and glass, the petal motif’s visual impact is heightened. “Thus, the petals gain more expression,” Casinha adds.
Inside, the home follows a similar design ethos with curved walls, symbolizing a visual and physical connection between different living spaces. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an open staircase with timber treads, a focal point that breaks up the first-floor’s open-plan living area.
The lower level is divided into thirds by two sinuous curved walls, with the kitchen and dining room occupying one section, while the living room holds the central space. The connection between indoors and outdoors is artfully maintained through sliding glazed doors that link the living room to a curving timber deck, which overlooks a beautifully landscaped garden.
The upper floor offers a tranquil retreat, housing three ensuite bedrooms, each with its private patio for serene outdoor connections. The interior design of Casa Pátios de Pétalas further echoes its natural inspiration with earthy tones and natural textiles dominating the living and sleeping quarters.
The ensuite bathrooms display a vibrant contrast with their jewel-toned red tiles, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the rooms. “In the decoration, you can feel the palette of pastel and raw colors used,” Casinha shares, “Furniture that enhances the tranquility of the place, casual comfort, natural materials, [and] simplicity.”
Casa Pátios de Pétalas is more than a dwelling – it’s a testament to design that subtly merges with its natural surroundings. Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier has crafted a space that embraces the essence of nature and tranquility, showcasing how minimalist design and organic inspiration can create a home that stands as a beacon of contemporary architecture.
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