Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LDecember 16, 2023Casa de LavraResidential Interior Design, Interior Design

CASA DE LAVRA || This Residence in Porto Is a Dazzling Jewelry Box Residence Placed in a Bed of Lush Greenery

Architecture, Interior Design, Residential DesignFlorence LDecember 16, 2023Casa de LavraResidential Interior Design, Interior Design

Completed in 2021 and nestled in the heart of Porto, Portugal, Casa de Lavra is a stunning exemplar of architectural ingenuity and harmonious design in its expansive 940 m² area.

This project, led by architect Ricardo Azevedo, epitomizes the seamless integration of client vision and architectural expertise. Azevedo’s deep understanding of the client's needs and desires allowed for a fluid transition from concept to reality, ensuring a personalized touch to every corner of this unique dwelling.

The core of Casa de Lavra's design philosophy revolves around the symbiotic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Originally a home from the 80s, it lacked the vital connection between its interior and the external environment. Azevedo and his team embarked on a transformative journey to reinvent this space, ensuring a continuous flow between the inside and the outside realms.

*Casa de Lavra combines nature with the manmade in a seamless manner.*

At the heart of the home, three distinct volumes emerge – the lobby, the extended living area, and a new social space. These areas are elevated yet maintain a delicate balance with nature, symbolizing the fluidity between the internal and external environments. The expansion of the home's footprint was not just a physical enlargement but a statement of intent to blend the natural with the man-made.

The sensory experience within Casa de Lavra is carefully curated. Each space, whether social areas or private suites, is designed with a specific environment in mind. The living and dining areas are enveloped in lush greenery and fine-grained marble, creating an atmosphere that blurs the lines between the outdoors and indoors.

*A dramatic entrance to the jewelry house.*

A dramatic entrance awaits visitors – a broad, cantilevered marble door set against a glass enclosure, offering sweeping views of the immaculately landscaped gardens. A notable detail is the elongated gold handle on the entrance, which resembles a branch, yet another thoughtful nature connection implemented by the design team. Inside, a grand piano sits by a floor-to-ceiling glass expanse, creating a serene, light-filled space for music and relaxation.

*A grand piano captures the soft rays of sunlight to depict a poetic scene just steps in from the entrance.*

A striking feature hidden in the corner of the living room is a doorway into a wine lover’s haven, a wine-tasting sanctuary lined with collectible bottles from floor to ceiling that offers an immersive experience in the midst of nature.

Casa de Lavra also boasts a bold kitchen design that uses colour to delineate the space – the kitchen area is light and airy with wood and white stone finishes, which is contrasted against a striking black floor-to-ceiling wrap that opens to the corridor.

*The wine room is elevated above the yard to allow for natural light to enter the enclosed space.*

*The living and resting quarters are oriented towards the tranquil elements of the home, such as the lush greenery, water feature and pool, to maximize residents’ connection to the outdoors.*

The outdoor experience is equally captivating. The garden unfolds like a living artwork, seamlessly integrating with the indoor spaces. Geometric white blocks pave the way to the charming pool area, offering a tranquil view composed of nature’s finest ingredients—greenery, water, wood and marble to anyone lounging in the comfort of the living room.

A masterstroke in design is the addition of a suite with a balcony that overlooks the pool and the sea off the horizon. With its full-length sliding door and glass railing, this space offers unobstructed views of the horizon, blending the interior with the seascape. The bathroom in this suite, with its glass-enclosed shower and deep soaking tub, also offers panoramic views, providing a sanctuary that connects the inhabitant with the surrounding landscape.

*Residents enjoy a relaxing view of the outdoors even in the shower and bath.*

*A jewelry box of a home wouldn’t be rendered complete without a dedicated space for luxury and collectible cars.*

As the sun sets, the captivating lighting design takes center stage. The home's outdoor lighting is a spectacle in itself, with geometric installations that illuminate the steps and extend into the car garage, which serves as a private showcase for the owner’s car collection.

Casa de Lavra is more than a home. It is a living canvas that reflects the harmonious blend of architecture, nature, and personal expression. The carefully manicured and meticulously designed front and backyard greenery sets the foundation for the architect to set the home, akin to a dazzling jewelry box enclosed in glass, in the middle. Attracting and reflecting the serene rays of natural light during the day and emitting an ethereal glow like a precious gem in the nighttime, the project transcends the conventional boundaries of a residential space.