Oura Beach House by Humberto Conde Arquitectos, A Contemporary Coastal Retreat Shaped by Light, Topography, and Precision Design

Architecture Design of Oura Beach House

Description About The Project

Discover Oura Beach House by Humberto Conde Arquitectos, a contemporary four-bedroom residence in Praia Oura designed to follow the land’s natural slope, maximize south-facing views, and elevate coastal living. Includes exclusive architectural insights.

The Project “Oura Beach House” Information:

• Project Name: Oura Beach House
• Location: Algarve, Portugal
• Designed by: Humberto Conde Arquitectos

Oura Beach House by Humberto Conde Arquitectos

Oura Beach House is a contemporary single-family residence located in Praia Oura, positioned perpendicular to Rua Ramalho Ortigão and centrally placed within its North–South–oriented plot. Designed by Humberto Conde Arquitectos, the home responds with remarkable sensitivity to topography, sunlight, and comfort, resulting in a serene yet purposeful coastal retreat.

In the words of architect Humberto Conde, “Our intention was to create a house that aligns itself with the land rather than imposing on it, allowing the natural terrain to guide every architectural decision.”

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An Architectural Response to Elevation and Access

The project begins with a challenging condition: the only pedestrian access sits at 15.42 m, requiring a regulatory ramp that rises subtly to 15.62 m. This careful adjustment allows the ground floor to sit harmoniously with the land’s natural profile, reducing the height difference between the northern and southern slopes.

This elevation shift became a defining force in the architectural concept. The team conceived a gently sloping access ramp leading from the plot’s entrance to the home’s main threshold, creating a fluid and intuitive transition.

Conde notes, “Instead of seeing the slope as an obstacle, we treated it as a narrative element—an opportunity to choreograph arrival and enhance the experience of entering the home.”

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A Contemporary Form Rooted in Simplicity and Context

The architectural identity of Oura Beach House aligns with the subdivision’s urban parameters and prior approvals. Yet, it elevates them through a contemporary language defined by simplicity, clarity, and alignment with the coastal environment.

Clean lines, controlled geometry, and a minimalist material palette allow the home to integrate gracefully into the setting. This simplicity is not merely aesthetic—it reflects a commitment to functional comfort and environmental coherence.

As the architect explains, “A house close to the sea should not compete with its surroundings. Its form must be calm enough to let light, breeze, and landscape take center stage.”

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South-Facing Living for Optimal Light and Outdoor Connection

Given the plot’s solar orientation, all primary living spaces are positioned toward the South. This ensures exceptional natural light, visual openness, and direct access to balconies and terraces that extend daily living outdoors.

These elevated terraces create a layered connection with the exterior, blurring thresholds while offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

“The South-facing façade was designed as a living membrane,” says Conde, “opening generously to the sun and sea air while maintaining a sense of protection and intimacy.”

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A Three-Level Organization Shaped by Function and Flow

Oura Beach House unfolds across three carefully structured floors linked vertically by both a staircase and an elevator, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and seamless movement.

Photo credit: Hra-Lisboa | Source: Humberto Conde Arquitectos

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Av. Fontes Pereira Melo, 35, 4J. Edifício AVIZ 1050-118 Lisboa – Portugal
– Tel: (+351) 21 3876169
– Email: humbertoconde.arq@humbertoconde.com

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• J.M.C. House by Atelier d’Arquitectura Lopes da Costa Save
• Costa House, Stunning haven on Penha Mountains by Hous3
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