the sister houses

Sistelo, 2019

As found

Proposal

The project aims to rebuild each ruin, which are now nothing but empty shells. Each will be refurbished as a two storey getaway house, with a top floor designed as a single living area highlighted by a generous loggia facing the views

The Village of Sistelo is located in the mountainous Peneda-Gerês National Park, in northern Portugal. Famous for its terraced landscapes, where corn used to be grown and cattle grazed, the village is very well “preserved” with all the typical granite houses, real or ersatz, contributing to create the ideal atmosphere for a weekend getaway destination.

oitoo was commissioned to study the refurbishment and expansion of two granite ruins in the immediate vicinity of the village’s church, perched over the valley overlooking the Vez River.

The two ruins establish a striking symmetry, with two façades engaging an architectural dialogue and suggesting a strong visual connection with the landscape. The project aims to rebuild each ruin, which are now nothing but empty shells. Each will be refurbished as a two storey getaway house, with a top floor designed as a single living area highlighted by a generous loggia facing the views.

The monumental retaining walls will be consolidated, as will the terraces, to preserve their agricultural and landscaping potential. New additions to the buildings will be subtle, yet of our time, privileging time tested materials like stone and wood, and will hopefully talk about how tradition, a heritage site and Architecture can co-exist in a peaceful yet meaningful way, providing a hedonistic experience to its users.