Perched on the south bank of the River Cávado in Barcelinhos, Portugal, RiscoWhite heralds understated elegance and a respectful dialogue with its historic surroundings

Designed by Risco Singular – Arquitectura, Lda., with Arq. Paulo Costa and Arq. Sónia Abreu at the helm, this striking residence completed in 2022 embodies a seamless integration of modern design and the timeless beauty of the Portuguese landscape.

The site itself is a masterpiece of nature, offering sweeping green vistas immortalized by the nearby Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and the Medieval Tower. The land unfolds in two elevated platforms, gracefully supported by ancient granite walls from which delicate wildflowers emerge. It is within this serene embrace that RiscoWhite finds its home, its design born from a deep reverence for the existing language of the site.

Rather than imposing a grand vision, Risco Singular chose a path of subtle integration. The architects aimed to transmit the inherent qualities of the existing landscape and a small, pre-existing housing unit, eschewing speculation for a quiet ambition. The result is a structure that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.

RiscoWhite presents itself as a distinctive, striped white concrete block. This form, described as "torn silently," extends gracefully along the lowest platform. Here, the volumes of the house gravitate in the tranquil atmosphere, engaging in a captivating play of two heights. This thoughtful articulation allows the dwelling to fully embrace and celebrate its immense landscape, creating a living experience that is constantly connected to the beauty of its surroundings.

The meticulous attention to detail extends to the project's collaborators. Campos e Lopes- Sociedade de construção, Lda. served as the builder, with Arq. Paulo Costa oversaw the inspection. Engineering was expertly handled by Joist Concept - Engenharia, while Arq. Sara Ferreira brought her expertise to landscape design. The stunning architectural photography, which beautifully captures the essence of RiscoWhite, was captured by Ivo Tavares Studio.