Casa Moita Santa is a minimal residence located in Ansião, Portugal, designed by Bruno Dias Arquitectura. The property, set amidst oak trees and scattered stone piles, reflects the client’s need for privacy from the nearby public road and the inclusion of a basement. The design approach aimed to conceal the basement from street view, elevating the first floor in a way that gives the impression of a structure lightly hovering above the ground, supported by just four key structural elements. The design incorporates slightly curved slabs that follow the line of the adjacent road, contributing to the building’s integration into its environment. With privacy as a priority, the house is oriented to minimize exposure to the public, while large openings on the interior side of the property allow for ample natural light.
The southwest facade features more modest openings to maintain privacy while ensuring essential daylight access. The two-story home organizes its functions across distinct levels. The main living areas, including the kitchen, dining and living rooms, bedrooms, office, and bathrooms, are located on the first floor. These spaces benefit from large windows and interior courtyards, flooding the rooms with natural light. The basement is reserved for technical functions such as storage, laundry, and the garage, ensuring that these utilitarian areas are discreetly placed out of sight. The aesthetic of Casa Moita Santa is defined by a minimalist palette of white, accented with wood and occasional stone elements, creating a sense of simplicity and elegance throughout both the interior and exterior.
