CC House – Quinta dos Carvalhos

CC House – Quinta dos Carvalhos, designed by Inception Architects Studio, is a residence located in the Leiria region that stands out for the strong connection established between architecture and landscape. The project was developed with the aim of integrating the building into the natural surroundings, respecting the existing topography and local vegetation. Set on a plot of approximately two hectares, the project sought to preserve native trees, such as cork oaks and oaks, incorporating them into the spatial layout of the residence and avoiding significant alterations to the natural environment.
Instead of a single building volume, the house consists of four distinct structures—Garage, Barn, Bell House, and Black Bird House—distributed across the site according to different natural platforms. This strategy reduces the visual impact of the construction and adapts each volume to the existing topography. All buildings are single-story, reinforcing the direct relationship with the ground and the surrounding landscape, while creating a sort of small, dispersed architectural ensemble, similar to a rural hamlet or a small cluster of buildings.

The project’s materiality is based on a simple, contemporary aesthetic, relying primarily on concrete, wood, and zinc for the roofs. These materials were chosen not only for their durability but also for their ability to blend discreetly into the natural surroundings. The sloped zinc roofs also serve an important practical function: due to
the abundance of trees on the site, the slope was designed to allow rain and wind to naturally remove accumulated leaves, directing
them to the ground and facilitating their collection.
Another key aspect of the project is how the orientation of the buildings and openings was carefully considered to take advantage of natural light and promote cross-ventilation, contributing to interior comfort and greater environmental efficiency. Thus, the architecture does not impose itself on the site but rather seeks to engage with it, enhancing the natural qualities of the terrain.
The design and construction process for CC House spanned approximately eight years, reflecting the care and attention devoted to preserving the local ecosystem and adapting the architecture to the site’s specific characteristics. The result is a home that prioritizes harmony with the landscape and demonstrates a sensitive and sustainable approach to architectural design.