The Douro Wood House by MJARC Arquitectos becomes one with its serene forested landscape and quietly disappears into the lush tree cover. Located in the mountainous area of the Douro valley, Portugal, the suspended modular wooden residence is an outstanding example of green architecture. The wooden refuge looks as if it is emerging from the lush native forest.
Designed to blend into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley’s landscape, the 646-square-meter modular prefabricated timber retreat adapts to the hilly terrain without excavation or invasive construction. The Douro Wood House sits on timber stilts and floats above the terrain, helping natural water drainage and the uninterrupted movement of wildlife.
The living roof, also known as a green roof, of the cabin-like house lets the existing trees shape its geometry. Its dedicated voids allow the mature pine trees to grow through the roof. The customized cutouts prevented the tree felling and intertwined the biological rhythm into the architecture of the elevated wooden house. The green roof features the ZinCo modular tray system, pre-planted with several native plant species. It also enhances thermal insulation while providing a generous space for biodiversity to thrive.
The prefabricated timber frame, forming its primary structure, turns the wooden house into a modular residence. The timber frame, supplied by Kōzōwood Industries, consists of high-precision engineered wooden panels, helping shorten the on-site construction time and minimize the carbon footprint.
The bamboo cladding is easy to install and replace for repair work, if needed, helping maintain its longevity. The bamboo cladding strengthens the house by resisting moisture and protects against decay. Together with the timber frame, the bamboo cladding allows the building to integrate with the pine forest.
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These unique features make the house look like a natural extension of the terrain rather than a simple structure in a landscape. The generous glazing on the walls floods the house with natural light, making it warm and inviting. The glazing provides panoramic views of stunning forest and a tranquil environment.
The smooth transition from interior to exterior builds a strong connection with the landscape by bringing nature into the living space. You can view lush terrains from almost every room of the wooden retreat. The extensive woodwork throughout the interior makes it warm and relaxing.
The duality of the kitchen space is one of the unique features. Large wooden cabinetry in the kitchen brings a reading space within the functional culinary workstation. You can store your favorite books and cooking essentials in one sleek unit. The spacious bedroom features an integrated desk area, forming a cozy study nook. You can study or work while admiring the beautiful valley through the glass windows and large sliding glazed door.
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The glazed door in the bedroom opens onto the wooden deck, blurring the line between outdoors and indoors. The bathroom features concrete work contrasting with the warm woodwork. The glass shower room maintains a connection to nature, offering a therapeutic bathing experience enveloped by natural ambience. The modern fixtures add a minimalistic aesthetic to the space.
The Douro Wood House creates a harmonious amalgamation between nature and architecture. Its green architecture forms an immersive, grounded connection with the natural forested landscape. The wooden building protects the existing trees and biodiversity by sustaining them and providing ample space to grow. The architecture not only respects the captivating terrain but also becomes a part of it.
Via: Archello
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