Quinta da Marinha Villa
Description
Located in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, Villa Quinta da Marinha represents a comprehensive intervention in contemporary architecture in Portugal, where rehabilitation and expansion are carefully combined to redefine an existing residence. Designed by Contacto Atlântico, a top architecture firm in Portugal, the project reflects the principles of high-end architecture, focusing on spatial clarity, technical precision, and a strong relationship with both urban and landscape contexts.
The intervention enhances the existing house while updating its architectural image through clear and coherent design solutions. The goal is to adapt each space to contemporary living standards, improving functionality while reinforcing integration with the surrounding environment.
Architectural Design, Materiality and Spatial Organisation
The original building, with one storey above ground and a gross area of 450 m², is positioned at the centre of a 2,007 m² plot and organised in a T-shaped layout, with its longest façade facing east. The new project expands the footprint to 700 m², maintaining the clarity of the original composition while introducing new volumes that support a more complex residential programme.
The house is reconfigured into a T8 layout, incorporating shared living areas, bedrooms, and a kitchen organised around a central hall. From this core space, the new spatial hierarchy unfolds. To the south, the project includes a living room and a bedroom or study with a private bathroom. To the north and west, five en-suite bedrooms are complemented by two additional bedrooms sharing a bathroom, along with an extra room.
Materiality and construction solutions are developed to ensure coherence between the existing structure and new additions. The intervention prioritises durability, clarity, and integration, reinforcing the architectural identity of the house while supporting contemporary performance standards.
A basement extension introduces a garage for two cars, technical areas, a pool plant room, storage spaces, and a sanitary facility. This level supports the operational needs of the house while maintaining a clear separation between service and living areas.
Leading Architecture Firm in Portugal: Living Experience and Landscape
The relationship between architecture and landscape is central to the project, guiding the organisation of both interior and exterior spaces. Outdoor areas are designed as an extension of the house, with a swimming pool, patio, and porch defining a central space that supports social and everyday activities.
Villa Quinta da Marinha stands as a clear example of how architectural rehabilitation and expansion can transform an existing structure into a contemporary residence. As part of Contacto Atlântico’s portfolio, it reinforces the studio’s position as a leading architecture firm in Portugal, recognised for delivering refined residential projects that balance context, functionality, and design excellence.