SH House: A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present

Paulo Martins' Award-Winning Design Fuses Tradition with Modern Minimalism

Paulo Martins drew inspiration from the tranquility of the surroundings and the rich history of the locale. The design maintains the original outline of the building, with the only significant change being in the existing stairwells. Weathering steel was used to add a contemporary touch, balancing the visual weight of the structure and emphasizing the absence of mass. The result is a building that is both rooted in its past and unmistakably modern.

The house spans 45 square meters over two floors. The lower floor houses the social zone, designed to maintain a relationship with the outdoor space. The upper level is home to the bedroom and bathroom. A parking area, marked with a permeable concrete structure, is located at the entrance of the plot.

The materials used in the construction of SH House include stone, epoxy resin, wood, plasterboard, and concrete. Clear colours and a minimalist language were used to give an impression of a wider and open area, maximizing the bounds of the house. The design is a perfect example of how high-quality results can be achieved without the need for expensive and fancy materials.

The project, which began in 2008 and was completed in 2018, faced the challenge of preserving the essential elements of the existing structure while adding a few elements to balance the building and enhance its relationship with the surroundings. The result is a design that is accessible and appealing to the community, demonstrating that architecture is for everyone.

SH House was awarded Silver in the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This accolade is a testament to Paulo Martins' ability to create a design that is both technically excellent and artistically splendid.