Josep Llinás, a renowned Spanish architect, is, alongside David Chipperfield, one of the only two non-Portuguese architects to have contributed to the Bom Sucesso Resort. His six (three not built) T3 villas, located in Phase 2 of the development on Rua da Lagoa, were designed to offer a seamless connection between architecture and the natural landscape. However, only three of the villas were completed, while the remaining three remain unbuilt.
These elegant two-story villas are designed with privacy and openness in mind. Facing the street, they appear closed off, ensuring seclusion for the residents, yet the interior is flooded with natural light through strategically placed courtyards. These light wells allow for bright, airy interiors while maintaining privacy.
The upper level houses the dining and living areas, which open onto a spacious terrace. This outdoor space provides breathtaking views over the Óbidos Lagoon, the medieval Castle of Óbidos, and the distant mountain range, creating a picturesque setting that enhances the villa’s tranquil atmosphere.
The lower level contains the private sleeping quarters, offering direct access to the garden, which extends into the golf course. The swimming pool, positioned to face south, is sheltered from the wind, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience. The garden itself blends seamlessly with the golf course, creating an effect similar to an infinity garden, where the natural and built environments appear to merge effortlessly.
As Josep Llinás describes:
“The orientation of the houses to the east is very important because it creates a connection to the Óbidos Lagoon. This line of sight harmonizes with the given natural geographical location.”
Llinás’ villas at Bom Sucesso stand as a refined architectural statement, blending light, space, and landscape to create harmonious living spaces that reflect his thoughtful and sensitive approach to design.
T3, Lot 264 – 266, 361 – 363 at Bom Sucesso Resort, (3 unbuilt)
Renowned architect Inês Lobo contributed seven elegant T4 villas to the second phase of Bom Sucesso Resort, with one villa remaining unbuilt. Located on Rua da Lagoa, these homes showcase her refined architectural language, blending functionality, elegance, and a strong connection to the landscape.
The C-shaped layout of these villas creates a private, sunlit courtyard, perfectly positioned to maximize southern exposure while ensuring seclusion for the pool area. A distinctive feature of the design is the circular bathroom windows, which draw attention and add a subtle maritime character to the façades.
Inside, the living room is slightly recessed below ground level, enhancing the sense of depth while framing panoramic views through large corner windows that overlook golf hole 7. The garden seamlessly merges with the golf course greenery, reinforcing the fluid integration between architecture and nature.
A spacious terrace on the south side offers shelter from the wind, providing a comfortable and inviting outdoor space. Lobo’s signature elegance is evident throughout the design, where every element is carefully considered to create a harmonious, light-filled, and sophisticated home.
T3, Lot 349-355 at Bom Sucesso Resort (1 unbuilt)
Designed by Inês Lobo, this set of 18 T3 rowhouses at Bom Sucesso Resort was conceived as an architectural response to the natural landscape, aiming for a seamless integration between the built form and its surroundings.
Positioned on the eastern edge of the resort, the site is framed by a valley to the east, an access road to the west, a thicket to the south, and a group of dwellings to the north. The rowhouses were carefully placed to achieve a balance between visibility and seclusion, ensuring that they do not dominate the landscape but rather blend into it. Each house is oriented to maximize views over the valley, allowing for a deep connection with nature while maintaining a strong architectural presence.
The design exudes elegance, with high ceilings that enhance the spaciousness of the interiors. A small inner courtyard with a tree adds a tranquil, natural element, allowing light and air to flow through the home. The houses follow the slope of the terrain, creating a dynamic architectural composition. On one side, the living spaces open onto a garden, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor areas. On the opposite side, the structure is elevated on slender cross-shaped stilts, forming a covered carport beneath the building. Above, the bedrooms extend onto a balcony, offering stunning views over the valley and view of the shared swimming pool.
“Our proposal for construction is based no the following principles: A privileged association with the valley; the houses hang over the valley, detached from the ground. Laying out the houses in relation to the thoroughfare, guaranteeing their privacy and a certain degree of ‘invisibility’. Allowing the interior areas of the house the possibility of extension into the exterior. Constructing exterior spaces that relate closely to the landscape, but maintain a high level of privacy.” Inês Lobo
Lobo’s Rowhouses stand as a refined example of contemporary Portuguese architecture, demonstrating her ability to create spaces that merge functionality with aesthetic sensitivity. The project’s innovative approach was recognized internationally, earning a nomination for the ArchDaily Building of the Year Award in 2014. Through its minimalist yet deeply contextual design, this rowhouse development at Bom Sucesso remains a striking example of how modern architecture can engage harmoniously with the landscape.
T3 (18 Units), Lot 126 at Bom Sucesso Resort
Located in the lower part of Phase Two at Bom Sucesso, Gonçalo Cardoso de Menezes designed seven T3 villas on Volta Bela on Volta Baixa. These red-toned houses feature large windows on both sides, ensuring natural light and cross-ventilation. A covered terrace area extends the living space outdoors, blending privacy with an open connection to the surrounding landscape.
T3, Lot 306-312 at Bom Sucesso Resort
Designed by Gonçalo Cardoso de Menezes, this set of 21 rowhouses on Rua Azul offers panoramic views over golf hole 16 and the forest beyond, with some homes even enjoying distant lagoon views.
The entrance is located on the top floor, accessed through a west-facing front yard. The first floor, which houses the public spaces, opens onto an east-facing balcony, ensuring natural light throughout the day.
A staircase leads down to the private sleeping areas, which vary between two and three levels, depending on the unit. Each floor is designed to have direct access to either a balcony or the backyard garden, which gradually merges with the golf course landscape.
The rowhouses are built along the natural slope of the mountain, adapting their architectural form to the terrain. At the highest point of the development, a shared swimming pool and sun deck provide a relaxing space for families to enjoy while taking in the surrounding views.
Menezes’ rowhouses at Bom Sucesso emphasize functional design, landscape integration, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, making them a great addition to the resort.
T2 & T2+1 (21 Units), Lot 154 at Bom Sucesso Resort
Gonçalo Byrne’s architectural vision for this project was to create a seamless integration between the built environment and the natural landscape. The new house, designed to replace a problematic 1970s structure, is a testament to Byrne’s philosophy of harmonizing architecture with nature. The building is conceived as a glass pavilion, allowing the lush vegetation surrounding the site to become an intrinsic part of the living experience. This design choice reflects Byrne’s understanding of the owners’ appreciation for the site’s natural beauty.
The house is essentially a covered garden, where life in the form of plants and birds thrives within and around the structure. The interconnected spaces within the pavilion blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, creating a fluid transition that invites nature into every corner of the home. The use of glass not only maximizes natural light but also offers uninterrupted views of the verdant surroundings, enhancing the sense of living within a garden.
Central to the design is the kitchen, which holds a place of prominence in the living area. Byrne elevates the kitchen counter to the status of an altar, symbolizing the owner’s passion for cooking and the communal aspect of sharing meals. This altar-like feature is complemented by a grand staircase with symmetrical steps that diverge in opposite directions, providing access to various parts of the house. This architectural element not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a dynamic visual interest to the space.
Byrne’s design choices emphasize a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to creating spaces that foster a connection with nature. The house stands as a serene retreat, where the architecture serves as a backdrop to the vibrant life that surrounds it, embodying a perfect balance between human habitation and the natural world.
The building commissioned by the Batalha de Aljubarrota Foundation stands as a testament to innovative architectural design, seamlessly blending historical reverence with modern functionality. Designed to serve as a cultural facility, it offers visitors an immersive multimedia experience of the Batalha de Atoleiros, a pivotal event in Portuguese history. The architect envisioned a structure that not only educates but also captivates, using architecture as a narrative tool.
The design philosophy centers around creating a harmonious dialogue between the past and present. The building’s blind elevation, crafted from adobe reinforced with reddish cement and interspersed with shale extracts, pays homage to traditional rammed earth construction. This choice not only enhances durability by reducing clay erosion but also evokes a sense of timelessness, grounding the structure in its historical context.
The architect described the design as “a bridge between eras,” emphasizing the use of materials that resonate with the local landscape and cultural heritage. The building’s form is intentionally understated, allowing the natural beauty of the surrounding urban park to take precedence. Its integration into the landscape is both subtle and profound, with the structure serving as a focal point that invites exploration and reflection.
Inside, the spatial experience is designed to be transformative. The interior is purposefully darkened to enhance the audiovisual show, creating an environment where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the historical narrative. The use of light and shadow within the space is meticulously planned to guide the visitor’s journey, echoing the strategic brilliance of the battle itself.
Overall, the building is a masterful blend of form and function, where every design choice is imbued with meaning, reflecting the architect’s vision of creating a space that is both educational and evocative.
The Batalha de Aljubarrota Interpretation Centre, designed by Gonçalo Byrne in collaboration with José Laranjeira, stands as a striking architectural statement on a promontory overlooking the Boutada valley. This location is historically significant, believed to be where Portuguese troops first sighted the Castilian forces. The building’s design is a testament to Byrne’s vision of creating a dialogue between history and modernity.
The structure is a black, textured concrete monolith, supported by three pillars, which gives it a sense of levitation above the landscape. This choice of material and form reflects Byrne’s philosophy of grounding the building in its historical context while allowing it to stand out as a contemporary piece of architecture. The monolith houses three expansive exhibition centers, each designed to guide visitors through a narrative journey that culminates in a glazed opening with a breathtaking view of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória.
Byrne’s design emphasizes the interaction between the building and its surroundings. The use of glazing not only frames the monastery but also invites natural light into the interior, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that enhances the visitor experience. The building’s orientation and elevation offer panoramic views of the valley, reinforcing its connection to the landscape and the historical events it commemorates.
In Byrne’s words, the design aims to “create a space where the past and present converge, allowing visitors to engage with history in a setting that is both reflective and forward-looking.” The building’s minimalist aesthetic and strategic use of materials underscore its purpose as a place of contemplation and education, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of history that unfolded on this very site.
The Interpretation Centre for Jewish Culture Isaac Cardoso, designed in collaboration with José Laranjeira, is a striking architectural gem nestled in the heart of Trancoso’s historic Jewish quarter. Situated on a compact triangular plot, the building harmoniously integrates with the urban fabric, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of its surroundings.
The architects envisioned a space that transcends time, drawing inspiration from the 16th-century synagogue of Tomar. This abstraction is not merely a replication but a reimagining, akin to the Safed synagogue in Israel, crafted by the Sephardic Jew Sojeph Caro. The design philosophy centers on creating a dialogue between past and present, where history is not just preserved but actively engaged with.
Inside, the building unfolds as a serene sanctuary, where light and shadow play a pivotal role in shaping the visitor’s experience. The use of natural materials, such as stone and wood, echoes the textures of the ancient synagogues, while modern elements introduce a contemporary flair. The architects describe the interior as a “spiritual journey,” where each space invites reflection and connection.
The building’s exterior is a testament to its context, with a façade that respects the scale and rhythm of the surrounding streetscape. Large windows punctuate the structure, offering glimpses of the vibrant life within and fostering a sense of openness and inclusivity. This interaction with the environment is intentional, as the architects aimed to create a cultural beacon that both honors and revitalizes the historic quarter.
In the words of the architects, the centre is “a bridge between cultures, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the voices of today.” This vision is embodied in every aspect of the design, making the Interpretation Centre for Jewish Culture Isaac Cardoso a significant and engaging addition to Trancoso’s architectural landscape.
Vila Utopia, designed by Gonçalo Byrne, is a masterful blend of architectural innovation and thoughtful spatial design, situated in a peripheral area of Lisbon. The project was part of a unique initiative where 18 architects, selected by Manuel Aires Mateus, were tasked with creating 45 houses. Byrne’s vision for Vila Utopia was to challenge the conventional subdivision plan, which typically resulted in limited privacy and residual outdoor spaces.
Byrne’s design philosophy centered on creating a harmonious balance between generous outdoor areas and secluded indoor environments. To achieve this, he constructed a robust wall along the plot’s boundary, anchoring the ground floor and providing a sense of enclosure. Above this, a light, suspended wall was introduced, aligning with the maximum allowable construction area. This element not only enhanced the building’s aesthetic appeal but also ensured the privacy of the upper floors.
The architectural layout is a testament to Byrne’s ingenuity, occupying only half of the plot and freeing up substantial space for a lush garden. This design choice not only maximizes the use of the land but also fosters a seamless interaction between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The building’s three-level structure is a study in spatial efficiency, offering a dynamic living experience that is both intimate and expansive.
Byrne’s approach to Vila Utopia reflects a deep understanding of the site’s context and the needs of its inhabitants. The use of materials and the interplay of light and shadow throughout the building create a series of engaging spatial experiences. This project stands as a significant example of contemporary architecture, where the architect’s vision and the building’s purpose coalesce to create a living space that is both functional and inspiring.
The new Central Laboratory of EPAL, designed by renowned architect Gonçalo Byrne, is a striking addition to the company’s main complex in Olivais. Occupying a nearly 2000 square meter site, the building is a testament to Byrne’s vision of harmonizing functionality with aesthetic appeal. The design is deeply rooted in the logic of laboratory activity, with a central core that houses essential infrastructure, circulation paths, and enclosed spaces that benefit from controlled lighting conditions. This core is strategically devoid of natural light, catering to specific laboratory needs.
Byrne’s design philosophy emphasizes the importance of natural light and views, which is evident in the building’s perimeter. The façades are liberated, allowing ample daylight to flood the spaces and offering panoramic views of the surroundings. This thoughtful arrangement not only enhances the working environment but also creates a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior.
The building’s layout is meticulously organized around the trajectory of water samples, dictating the flow and interaction of spaces. This functional approach ensures efficiency in laboratory operations while maintaining a coherent architectural narrative. Byrne’s design choices reflect a deep understanding of the building’s purpose, as he states, “The architecture must serve the science within, providing a space that is both practical and inspiring.”
Materials used in the construction are carefully selected to complement the existing elements of the complex while addressing the site’s topographical challenges. The building’s interaction with its surroundings is both respectful and innovative, integrating seamlessly into the landscape while standing out as a beacon of modern design. The Central Laboratory of EPAL is not just a facility; it is a symbol of the synergy between architecture and science, where every design element serves a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the space.
The Reynaldo dos Santos Building stands as a testament to the enduring principles of architecture, seamlessly integrating with the vibrant environment of the Hospital de Santa Maria. Designed in collaboration with José Moreira Barra, the building embodies a vision of innovation and adaptability, reflecting the dynamic nature of research activities it houses. The architectural design emphasizes fluidity and openness, fostering an atmosphere conducive to intellectual exploration and collaboration.
The building’s exterior is characterized by clean lines and a harmonious blend of materials, creating a modern yet timeless aesthetic. Large windows punctuate the façade, inviting natural light to flood the interior spaces, enhancing the sense of openness and connection with the surrounding landscape. This design choice not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a serene environment for researchers and students.
Inside, the layout is thoughtfully organized to encourage interaction and the exchange of ideas. Flexible workspaces and communal areas are strategically placed to facilitate collaboration, while private zones offer quiet retreats for focused study. The use of sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques underscores the building’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The architect’s vision was to create a space that transcends its immediate function, offering a versatile environment that can adapt to future needs. This foresight is evident in the building’s ability to maintain its architectural integrity despite programmatic changes, highlighting the timeless nature of its design. The Reynaldo dos Santos Building not only serves as a hub for medical research but also as a symbol of the enduring power of thoughtful, adaptable architecture.
Designed by Gonçalo Byrne, this set of 25 T3 rowhouses on Rua do Sol Poente is locally known as “Rusty Gates” due to the dominant presence of metal gates at the entrance, which complement the dark red tones of the buildings.
As Gonçalo Byrne describes:
“The house extends towards two terraces. One is private, completely protected from the outside world and open only to the sky. The other is public. It starts at one end as part of the house and merges with the golf course at its other end (to the south).”
Entering the house through the gate, you arrive at a private front yard with a centered tree, offering a framed view through the house towards the golf course, which gently fades into the landscape.
The first level houses the private rooms, while the lower level contains the kitchen, dining, and living areas. These spaces extend into a covered terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. The terrace gently transitions into the golf course, surrounded by pine trees, enhancing the natural integration of the architecture with the landscape.
T3, 25 Units, Lot 217 at Bom Sucesso Resort
Planned for Rua do Sol Poente, these six T4 villas by Gonçalo Byrne were designed to offer south-facing views over the golf course and spacious backyards, with plots ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 sqm.
As Gonçalo Byrne describes:
“All the interior areas are separated by spaces, which take the place of traditional opaque walls, so as to permit a total, rhythmic visual permeability, from the inside to the outside of the house.”
Despite their promising design, these villas were not built yet, leaving them as an unrealized vision of Byrne’s distinctive approach at Bom Sucesso Resort.
T4, Lots 209-214 at Bom Sucesso Resort (unbuilt)
Designed by Gonçalo Byrne, this set of six T4 villas at Bom Sucesso Resort follows a distinct architectural language, where two cubic volumes intersect at a 45° angle, creating a clear separation between the carport and living area. Located on Rua da Lagoa, three of these villas remain unbuilt.
Each villa is distributed over two levels, with the entrance positioned at the midpoint between floors. A few steps downward on dark wooden stairs lead to the public areas, enhancing warmth and elegance. The kitchen, dining area, and living room are designed as an open-plan space, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, ensuring abundant natural light throughout the day.
At the heart of the villa, a central fireplace serves as both a visual focal point and a functional heat source. The living area extends into a semi-covered terrace, protected by the architectural structure itself, offering views of the garden and pool, while also providing shelter from the sun and wind.
On the upper level, the four bedrooms are carefully distributed to provide privacy and comfort, maintaining a strong connection to the surroundings through thoughtfully placed windows.
As Gonçalo Byrne describes:
“Each house is made up of the articulation of two cubic volumes, which intersect at 45°, separating the vertical circulation area and garage from the remaining compartments of the house.”
These villas represent Byrne’s refined approach, where geometry, light, and materiality come together to create functional yet visually striking spaces at Bom Sucesso.
T4, Lot 262-267 at Bom Sucesso Resort (3 unbuilt)