Iconic Villa in Cascais, Parede

Villa FERNANDINA, located in Parede, is a residence from the 1970s (1973), with brutalist architecture influenced by the stylistic vision of Teotónio Pereira. It is situated on a corner lot, taking full advantage of its geometry to maximize the axis of the dwelling: all living spaces are oriented to the south, while the staircase and garage are located to the north — the coldest and windiest area — and the secondary garden occupies the rear of the lot. The angular definition of the land, which gives rise to a small square, directly influences the formal elements of the house and the architectural choices of the designer. All the angles of the building feature paired windows that create true “light angles.” From the garden, three distinct light points are revealed: the dining room, the living room, and the office. The residence presents itself with great elegance through well-marked horizontal lines, creating a strong sense of horizontality from right to left. Nevertheless, the entire project was specifically designed for its corner context. The main facade faces the sidewalk, not the square, ensuring greater privacy. The house has two entrances and is developed over two floors, being profoundly marked by the shape of the lot and the presence of an imposing central staircase, about 10 meters high, with a monumental character. This staircase takes on special prominence on the less used, but more visible and representative facade — the north facade — where an architectural discourse of orientalist inspiration is manifested. While the main facade is oriented towards the sidewalk, the interior experience and the most comfortable views were carefully thought out from the garden, particularly from the boundary wall and the square itself. Originally conceived as a single-family home, the house featured a service suite, a guest bathroom, an entrance hall, and the traditional spaces of Portuguese homes from the 50s and 60s on the ground floor, including a garage with direct access to the kitchen, in an “American” concept. On the first floor, there were four bedrooms, sharing two bathrooms, as well as several balconies ensuring independence and private outdoor spaces. Between 2008 and 2009, the residence was expanded and transformed into a six-bedroom home, now featuring five bathrooms, three of which are suites. An upper floor, similar to a studio apartment, with a kitchenette and bathroom, was also created where the typical Portuguese attic, intended for children's play, originally existed. This attic, recently renovated to become a loft, was primarily for observing the sea, functioning almost like a tower. The house has always maintained its strictly single-family character and reveals the family's cultural and social influences through the abundant use of African woods in doors and windows. The brutalist taste is also evident in the hammered and beaten copper fireplace. The French-origin heating system remains in perfect working order.