The architectural ensemble, designed by Manuel Aires Mateus, is a striking example of contemporary design that harmonizes with its urban environment while creating a unique spatial experience. The eight buildings are strategically positioned on a platform, each varying in length and position, yet maintaining an equidistant arrangement. This thoughtful placement along the platform’s edges results in a vast central area, which serves as a dynamic public square.

The central platform is ingeniously cut out, allowing natural light to flood the space and illuminate the square below. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a sense of openness and connectivity, linking the surrounding streets and creating what Aires Mateus describes as an “interiorized exterior.” This concept is reminiscent of the later EDP headquarters project, emphasizing the architect’s commitment to integrating public spaces within urban settings.

Aires Mateus’s vision for the project is rooted in the idea of using immaterial elements, such as light, to define the architecture. He states, “the idea is to mark a constant metric on the four facades, defined not by a materiality, concrete or stone, but by an immateriality: light planes, emerging from negatives left on the gallery floor, wall, and ceiling.” This approach highlights the interplay between light and shadow, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment that engages visitors and passersby.

The buildings themselves are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, utilizing clean lines and simple forms to complement the surrounding urban landscape. The use of light as a primary design element not only enhances the visual impact but also underscores the architect’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. This project exemplifies Aires Mateus’s ability to blend innovative design with thoughtful urban integration, resulting in a space that is both a landmark and a vibrant part of the community.

Perched on a high point in a quaint village on the city’s outskirts, this 400-square-meter house is a masterful blend of modern design and environmental harmony. The architect envisioned a structure that would seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, ensuring it did not dominate the landscape. To achieve this, the private areas of the house are ingeniously tucked beneath the garden, illuminated by four intimate courtyards that invite natural light into the subterranean spaces.

Above ground, the social areas are thoughtfully arranged around a central void, offering breathtaking views of the nearby castle. This design choice not only frames the landscape but also creates a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior spaces. The architect describes this as “a dialogue between the built environment and the natural world,” emphasizing the importance of context in architectural design.

The building’s materials were chosen to complement its setting, with earthy tones and textures that echo the village’s traditional architecture. The use of glass and open spaces fosters a sense of transparency and connection, allowing residents to feel both sheltered and part of the broader environment.

This house is more than a residence; it is a representation of the “collective memory of a house,” where modern living meets timeless design principles. The architect’s philosophy centers on creating spaces that are both functional and evocative, encouraging inhabitants to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

The Bom Sucesso Resort, nestled near the medieval town of Óbidos, is a remarkable tourist village spanning approximately 150 hectares, featuring around 600 villas. This ambitious project is the work of 23 renowned architects, including luminaries such as Álvaro Siza, Eduardo Souto de Moura, and João Luís Carrilho da Graça. The resort is a testament to innovative design and architectural diversity, with each villa offering a unique interpretation of modern living.

Among these contributions, the villas and rowhouses designed by Manuel and Francisco Aires Mateus stand out for their sculptural clarity and spatial composition. Defined by their minimalist cubic forms and stark white façades, these residences have earned the local nickname “The White Blocks.” Their design is rooted in a philosophy that prioritizes spatial organization, privacy, and a seamless connection with the landscape.

The project consists of 12 T3-T4 villas and 7 T2-T3 rowhouses, all adhering to a precise architectural approach. The villas are oriented eastward, with swimming pools positioned to the west, maximizing the garden space between neighboring houses. This layout ensures optimal natural lighting and evokes a spatial experience reminiscent of traditional Portuguese homes with thick, solid walls, imparting a sense of permanence and territorial identity.

The rowhouses, located on Rua do Sol Poente, translate these same architectural principles into a more compact format, incorporating a shared garden and pool to balance community living with privacy. Their landscaped roofs and enclosed courtyards create a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing a sense of openness and natural integration.

As Manuel Aires Mateus explains:

“The project aims to emphasize the unique natural characteristics of the location as a means for its promotion. The houses are located to the east and the swimming pools to the west, freeing up as much space as possible for the garden between neighboring houses. This disposition affords lighting and a spatial perception related, as I remember, to the thick, solid house walls of days gone by.”

This vision is evident in every aspect of the design. The careful use of structural walls, courtyards, and gardens serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, defining space while fostering tranquility and privacy. The choice of local materials and sustainable construction methods further highlights the architects’ commitment to environmental harmony.

At Bom Sucesso Resort, these villas and rowhouses stand as a testament to Aires Mateus’ architectural philosophy—where space, light, and materiality come together to create homes that feel both timeless and profoundly connected to their surroundings.

T2 Row Houses & Units T2s
– Lot 143 at Bom Sucesso Resort

Villas 12 T3-T4 Villas,
– Lot 146-176 (8 unbuilt, 1 unfinished)

Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos describe the project:
“The current plan of this project displays a clear division between the living area and bedrooms, where the approach for distribution between the various spaces is the only instrumental element in the continuity of the spacious interior. The house is the product of a combination of two geometrical forms, whose intersection defines a triangular skylight over the circulation space in the entrance area: a parallelepiped space in the direction E/W with a raised roof, rotated 45° over the first space.”

The three T3 villas, one of which remains unbuilt, reflect an intentional spatial separation between private and social areas. The skylight at the intersection of geometric forms defines the entry sequence, allowing natural light to permeate the circulation areas. Additionally, the 45° rotated roof introduces a dynamic interplay of volume and depth, enhancing both functional clarity and architectural expressiveness.

Project Context: 8 Detached Villas at Bom Sucesso
These homes belong to the larger 8 Detached Villas project at Bom Sucesso, positioned strategically to maximize privacy and optimize views toward the golf course. The development follows a consistent architectural language, with geometric volumes and controlled openings ensuring a coherent yet diverse residential identity.

T3, Lot 319-321 at Bom Sucesso Resort (1 unbuilt)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, Menezes and Bastos’ 3 Villas A are part of Phase II of Bom Sucesso, consisting of three villas, one of which remains unfinished. These homes maintain a strong connection with the landscape and the resort environment, strategically placed to ensure privacy from the access road while offering open views towards the golf course.

The design is guided by precise geometric composition, forming structured yet open spaces that promote a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The homes integrate elements such as extended courtyards and controlled openings, reinforcing natural light flow and spatial continuity.

Project Context: 8 Detached Villas at Bom Sucesso
These villas are part of a broader development of eight detached homes (T3 and T4), positioned along lots 314-321. Located between the main resort access road and the golf course, the project adheres to a cohesive architectural language, ensuring a harmonized façade identity and spatial organization throughout the ensemble.

T3, Lots 216-218 at Bom Sucesso Resort (1 unfinished)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, the Casa L project at Bom Sucesso consists of six planned villas, of which only two—on plots 131 and 132—were built. These three-bedroom homes, each with a constructed area of 165m², are positioned along the northern side of Rua B4, on plots averaging 636m². The design follows a distinctive L-shaped configuration, formed by two orthogonal volumes that define both the architecture and spatial organization of the house.

Positioned along the western boundary and extending towards the northern edge of the lot, this layout preserves the largest possible open space to the south. The choice of orientation was determined by the need for optimal solar exposure, the lot’s shape, and the south-facing entrance. Consequently, entry into the house requires crossing the plot, reinforcing the intentional separation between social and private areas.

This division is further emphasized by variations in ceiling heights and floor levels. The private bedroom wing is lowered by 70cm relative to the entrance, living, and service areas, which are elevated to align with street level. Upon entering, the distribution hall provides direct access to the living room, kitchen, guest bathroom, and the corridor leading to the bedrooms.

The bedroom wing runs along the eastern façade, connected by a north-south corridor with steps that adjust to the level difference. The master suite is positioned at the southern end, ensuring privacy while maintaining proximity to the garden. Each bedroom features its own en-suite bathroom and a small private terrace. This volume is partially embedded into the terrain, with its western edge set three meters from the lot boundary.

The east-west volume, elevated above the landscape, establishes a strong visual connection between the interior and the exterior. The living areas extend outward through covered terraces, formed by the continuation of the floor and roof slabs, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. While the northern façade remains almost entirely closed, the dining area extends outward, offering framed views towards the east and west.

The kitchen, located in the northeastern corner, serves as a functional hub between the two wings. It opens to a walled exterior courtyard, providing a dedicated space for the laundry and service areas. Throughout the house, large openings are carefully positioned to enhance natural light and frame specific views, ensuring an optimal relationship between interior spaces and their surroundings.

With its L-shaped footprint, strategic elevation shifts, and thoughtful use of light and outdoor connections, Casa L represents an approach that balances privacy, openness, and integration with the Bom Sucesso landscape.

T3, Lot 131-136 at Bom Sucesso Resort (4 not built)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, the Casa X project at Bom Sucesso consists of six villas, of which five were built and one remains unbuilt. These homes follow a distinct architectural language shaped by the master plan’s requirement for rooftop gardens in the form of an “X,” which became the defining feature of the design. The extended rooftop plan influences the entire structure, creating shaded, habitable areas that mediate the transition between the interior and the various exterior spaces.

The spatial layout is carefully structured to form four distinct outdoor areas. To the southeast lies the entrance and private parking area, while the western side hosts the terrace and garden, directly serving the living rooms. The eastern strip is reserved as a private area connected to the bedrooms, ensuring a differentiated spatial experience between public and private domains.

At the core of the house is a central distribution space, which acts as the organizing element for the interior. This space provides direct access to all main functions, reinforcing the architects’ intention of creating fluid yet defined connections between rooms and their outdoor extensions. The suite and bedrooms are aligned at a 45º angle, facing northeast, and staggered to create small triangular terraces. These outdoor spaces, formed by the outward extension of interior walls, capture and reflect southern light throughout the day.

The interconnected living areas open through large glass panels towards the southeast and west, establishing a direct relationship with the most secluded part of the plot. Meanwhile, a secondary service volume extends towards the street, linking the kitchen to the entrance and living areas while also maintaining a functional connection between the laundry and the walled service yard.

The arrangement of the six villas creates a cohesive rhythm of built spaces that maximize interior potential while fostering a strong connection to their immediate surroundings. By integrating form, function, and outdoor living, Menezes and Bastos establish a refined architectural approach that harmonizes with Bom Sucesso’s landscape.

T3, Lot 177-182 at Bom Sucesso Resort (1 unbuilt)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, the Casa K also known as 360 project at Bom Sucesso consists of five T4 villas with garages, of which only two were completed, while one remains under construction (Lot 358) and three were not built. Located along Rua da Lagoa, these houses were designed to maximize comfort, landscape integration, and spatial fluidity.

At the heart of this project is the architects’ pursuit of an enhanced living experience, carefully considering plot size, solar orientation, and views, particularly towards hole 7 of the Bom Sucesso golf course. A key feature of the design is the ability to access the rooftop via the suite’s courtyard, offering an elevated vantage point with unobstructed views of the Óbidos Lagoon.

A strong indoor-outdoor connection is established through large glazed openings that lead to a series of courtyards—social, service, and private—ensuring both openness and functional zoning. The natural slope of the terrain is also utilized, with a vegetated embankment at the southern boundary blending the lots into the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless visual and physical transition between the property and the golf course.

The eastern façade houses the bedrooms, ensuring morning light and privacy. The living and dining areas, adjacent to the kitchen, form a cohesive space that extends onto a covered south-facing terrace, reinforcing the integration between interior and exterior spaces. A distinctive element of the design is the rotation of the garage and guest suite by 45º, creating a subtle but effective spatial separation between the main house and the auxiliary structures.

With its thoughtful spatial organization, strategic use of terrain, and seamless integration with the landscape, Casa 360 exemplifies a refined architectural vision that enhances both functionality and the experience of place within Bom Sucesso.

T4, Lot 356-360 at Bom Sucesso Resort (3 unbuilt)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, the Casa O project at Bom Sucesso consists of ten villas, of which eight were built and two remain unbuilt. These homes embody a distinct architectural approach, where a central space becomes the defining element of each house. As the architects explain, “The interior layout of each property is designed around a central area which becomes the defining theme for the whole house. Being in close proximity to each of the adjoining rooms, this central point provides easy access to the different living areas, each offering a unique relationship with the exterior.” Built between 2007 and 2009 within the Herdade do Bom Sucesso resort near Óbidos, these homes occupy plots 127-130 and 137-142, with each villa carefully integrated into the landscape.

The spatial organization follows a linear plan, with the built volume positioned along the eastern boundary to create a continuous open space parallel to the structure. The entrance, slightly recessed between two angled volumes, leads to a hallway that serves as both a transition zone and an informal gathering space. The living and dining areas, though distinct, are visually connected through a shared courtyard, bringing in natural light and reinforcing the dynamic interplay between interior and exterior.

A key feature of the design is the unconventional placement of the kitchen in the south-eastern quadrant, reflecting its role as a central and social space. The suite, elevated above the rest of the house, offers a sense of retreat while maintaining a direct connection to the outdoor areas. The swimming pool, located in the northwest quadrant, is slightly raised to define distinct garden spaces, enhancing spatial fluidity while preserving a sense of enclosure.

Architecturally, the project is defined by its composition of volumes, which establish self-contained spaces while deliberately blurring the relationship between inside and outside. Through careful spatial sequencing, controlled lighting, and strategic orientation, Menezes and Bastos create a living environment that balances openness, privacy, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

T3, Lot 127-130, 137-142 at Bom Sucesso Resort (2 unbuilt)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, this project consists of 18 one-bedroom duplex townhouses, located on Plot 153 along Caminho do Ferro and Caminho de Casa, within the Bom Sucesso Design Resort, Leisure & Golf. Built between 2008 and 2009, these homes are divided into two rows (A and B), positioned along the western side of streets A and C2, overlooking the eastern slope of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso golf course valley.

The project is set on a steep slope descending approximately 25 meters, with the access street’s midpoint differing in elevation by 3 to 5 meters across the plot’s boundaries. The architectural approach was shaped by three key intentions:

Creating the illusion of levitation—making the construction appear as if it is floating above the ground.
Framing the western landscape within the social spaces of the homes, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Ensuring the continuity of the terrain from street level to the interior of the plot, integrating the homes seamlessly into their natural surroundings.
To achieve this, the architects employed an inverted duplex typology, ideal for capturing expansive westward views. The entry-level floor hosts the living spaces, while the lower level contains the suite, which directly connects to the terrain. The cantilevered upper volumes, where the main living areas are located, appear to hover above the landscape, counterbalanced by a segmented lower floor, allowing parts of the terrain to flow uninterrupted beneath sections of the structure.

This strategic withdrawal of the lower-level bedrooms and the multiplication of west-facing façade planes guided every design decision, enhancing the interplay between light, space, and structural balance. A sense of cohesion and uniformity is maintained when viewing the townhouses from the east, ensuring visual integration when seen from both the golf course green and the resort hotel.

Shaded, inhabitable transition spaces were incorporated throughout the design, enhancing comfort and usability. These include balconies extending from the living areas and private patios beneath the cantilevered volumes, ensuring a seamless relationship between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

With its elegant geometric composition, suspended architectural language, and deep engagement with the natural topography, Casa T1 Rowhouses at Bom Sucesso represents a sophisticated approach to contemporary resort living, seamlessly integrating architecture with nature.

T1 (18 Units), Lot 215 at Bom Sucesso Resort

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, the Casa I project at Bom Sucesso consists of six villas, of which five were built and one remains unbuilt. This series of three-bedroom homes, each with a constructed area of 185m², forms a cohesive ensemble along the northern side of Rua B7. Positioned on elongated plots averaging 783m², the design aims to clearly separate social and private areas while maintaining a linear and intuitive spatial organization.

The layout unfolds along a north-south axis through two rectangular volumes measuring 7.70m x 15m. The first volume houses the service areas and living spaces, while the second contains the private quarters. At their intersection lies the entrance, marked by a hall and guest bathroom, creating a transition between the two functional zones. This configuration also frees up the southwest area of the plot for a garden and swimming pool, enhancing the outdoor experience.

The first volume is positioned against the northern boundary, slightly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the plot. The second volume, set three meters from the adjacent lot’s eastern boundary, extends southward. Entry to the property is from the northeast corner, where an overhang along the eastern façade guides visitors towards the main entrance. A break in the northeastern corner of the house, near the laundry courtyard, provides a secondary access point for service areas, while parking is located at the northeast end of the plot.

Upon entering, the main living space unfolds in a north-south orientation, with large openings to the west and south, establishing a seamless connection with the outdoor terraces. A courtyard acts as an intermediary space between the house and the terrain. The living area is divided into two sections by a fireplace, creating a natural transition between the sitting room and dining area. The latter is functionally linked to the kitchen, located in the northeast corner, adjacent to a laundry area.

The bedroom wing is elevated 72.5cm above the rest of the house due to the natural slope of the terrain. Arranged along the eastern façade, the bedrooms are connected by a central hallway, each with its own bathroom and small private terrace. This section, set three meters from the eastern boundary, is partially embedded into the terrain at its highest point. The master suite is positioned at the southern end, near the pool terrace, yet remains discreetly separated, with its openings facing east for added privacy.

Casa I is a composition of overlapping planes that define its form, completed by a horizontal garden roof that integrates the house into the landscape. This architectural strategy not only conceals the structure but also reinforces its relationship with the natural surroundings, creating a home that is both grounded and secluded within Bom Sucesso’s terrain

T3, Lot 183-188 at Bom Sucesso Resort (1 not built)

Designed by Madalena Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Teixeira Bastos, this project consists of 18 three-bedroom townhouses located at Lot 215, Caminho do Ferro, within the Bom Sucesso Design Resort, Leisure & Golf. Completed between 2007 and 2008, the development is divided into four blocks: A and B, which are single-story homes repeated ten times (5+5), and C and D, which are two-story homes repeated eight times (4+4). These townhouses were carefully designed to balance uniformity, functionality, and integration with the surrounding landscape.

As the architects describe, “The conception of the project was based on three outlooks: the search for the sense of unity in each set of townhouses; an attempt to orient the habitations in a southerly direction, and guarantee the continuity of public trails within the common areas.”

A primary objective of the design was to establish a cohesive architectural language within each set of townhouses, ensuring a south-facing orientation for optimal light and views while maintaining continuity in public circulation. Pathways were carefully integrated to provide seamless access from the surrounding streets (B and B5) to the shared garden and swimming pool deck.

For Blocks A and B, the design follows a modular repetition strategy, with each 139m² unit alternating between living/service spaces and bedroom areas. A courtyard at the intersection of these volumes provides a transitional space between the exterior and the entrance, reinforcing privacy while maintaining openness. The spatial arrangement plays with contrasting volumes, creating defined interior spaces while incorporating elements of ambiguity between inside and outside.

In Blocks C and D, a horizontal structural beam visually separates the two levels, creating a sense of continuity while structuring the façade composition. The design alternates between protruding and recessed sections, establishing a rhythmic interplay of volumes. Functionally, the ground floor is designated for shared and service areas, while the upper level houses the private bedrooms and suite, ensuring a clear functional division.

Through its geometric clarity, repetition of modular elements, and thoughtful integration with the landscape, the 18-unit rowhouse project successfully merges architectural coherence with spatial flexibility, creating a harmonious and livable residential environment within Bom Sucesso.

Row Houses 4 * T3

T3 (8 two-floor, 12 single-floor units), Lot 215 at Bom Sucesso Resort

As the architects describe, “A clear separation of living and sleeping areas is planned. The house is the result of a combination of two geometric shapes that intersect in a triangular roof skylight and form a square, raised roof above the entrance area, which is rotated by 45° in an east-west direction against the floor plan.”

The two detached homes follow a structured approach, where the skylight at the intersection of the volumes serves as a defining architectural and functional feature. The raised and rotated roof above the entrance area enhances both depth and spatial articulation, establishing a dynamic balance between structure and openness. These homes align with the overall design language of Bom Sucesso’s Phase II, reinforcing cohesion within the larger residential ensemble.

Project Context: 8 Detached Villas at Bom Sucesso
As part of a broader architectural vision, these homes are among eight villas positioned along lots 314-321, integrating modernist geometric compositions and seamless landscape connectivity. Their placement ensures privacy, natural light optimization, and a unified presence within the Bom Sucesso Design Resort.

T3, Lot 214, 215 at Bom Sucesso Resort

In the second phase of Bom Sucesso Resort, Luísa Penha designed nine T3-T4 villas, of which only three were completed, while six remain unbuilt. These red-toned villas, located near the tennis courts on Volta Bela and Volta dos Nerios, stand out for their bold color and modern, geometric design.

T3-4, Lot 297-305 at Bom Sucesso Resort (6 unbuilt)

At Bom Sucesso Resort, Luís Pessanha Moreira designed two sets of red rowhouses facing each other, with a shared pool and garden in the center, fostering a sense of community.

Located on Caminho dos Ciprestes and Rua dos Azevinhos, the project consists of 27 rowhouses (T1-T2), thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and spatial efficiency. The living areas open fully to the south through glass walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere with a seamless connection to the outdoors.

As Luís Pessanha Moreira describes:
“The houses are open to the south through glass walls in the living area. The bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom face north and have smaller windows set into the wave-shaped walls, which are designed in different colors.”

T1-2, Lot 216 at Bom Sucesso Resort