Split into two volumes, Coimbra-Steinman House offers distant views of Lisbon

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, an architecture studio based in Valencia, displays quintessential contemporary designs in its work – minimal structures in white, punctured with sleek, unadorned openings, bathed in light and set in wide-open spaces. True to its signature is the firm's recent residential project, Coimbra-Steinmann House, which with its identical virtues is located in the upper part of a golf course field in Lisbon, Portugal.

Rooted in and dictated by its neighbouring contoured landscape, Coimbra-Steinmann House overlooks the city of Lisbon. The naturally descending topographic site allows the residence to emerge from the hills, built on a longitudinal surface, with a triangular geometry. In accordance to the wishes of the clients, the house is open to the surrounding greens, whilst delivering a private and quiet space to enjoy the outdoors.

The linear architecture of the structure comprises of two longitudinal expanses. Their point of encounter houses the study areas, and the entrance of the house. The home’s living areas are situated in the straight, lengthier volume of the structure. This volume features panoramic windows, which allow abundant natural light inside, lending vitality and openness to the building.

The other slightly winding piece of the structure unfolds from the point of contact, and houses bedrooms and private facilities. The basement level is located at the merging point of the two volumes, and hosts an array of storage spaces. Flanked between the two pieces is a patio, which plays a converse role of protecting the structure and opening up to the green terrain outside. The residence also features a swimming pool and a terrace area.

A bright and minimal aesthetic commands the residence’s interiors, with its monochrome furnishings emphasised by white marble and high-end finishes. The two connected volumes of the Coimbra-Steinmann House by the Spanish architectural studio hosts various functional spaces. Molded by prioritising the client's request and adjusting to its topographical constraints, the fresh design of the residence emulates a contemporary architectural language, and simultaneously, fosters a meaningful dialogue with its inhabitants.

Project Details:

Name of the project: Coimbra-Steinmann House
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Architect:Fran Silvestre Arquitectos
Portugal Partner: Paulo Santa Cruz
Principal in Charge: Estefanía Soriano
Interior designer: Alfaro Hofmann
Collaborating Architects: María Masià, Fran Ayala, Pablo Camarasa, Sandra Insa, Sevak Asatrián, Ricardo Candela, David Sastre, Vicente Picó, Rubén March, Jose Manuel Arnao, Rosa Juanes, Gemma Aparicio, Juan Martinez, Paz Garcia-España, Daniel Uribe, Javier Briones, Ángel Pérez, Tomás Villa, Sergio Tórtola, Marta Escribano, Phoebe Harrison, Daniel Yacopino