This discerning modern masterpiece is notoriously known locally as the “floating” house, as it sits imposingly on an elevated 8600 square metre plot on the Rocha Negra overlooking the picturesque town of Praia da Luz and the stunning Algarve coastline.
The innovative design uses the contours of the land to create the exterior impression of a single level residence projecting unsupported from the hillside. In the interior, the deliberate and intelligent use of glass further develops the idea of one standing in a “floating” house high above the population below.
The ultimate in contemporary design, 50% of the property is built in glass, boasting 2.8 metre high panoramic windows that retract and disappear into the wall cavity, allowing for indulgent panoramic sea and town views. The house has a Bauhaus design principle characterized by functionalism and truth to materials. With an open style living plan, high ceilings and inside/outside design softened with the wonderful use of materials and finishes.
Built over two floors, this villa boasts 602 square metres of usable inside space, divided into five bedrooms, all with luxurious en suite bathrooms. The “chill-out” central courtyard with an Italian designed wood burning fire pit, and pre-installed for a Jacuzzi, is the definite meeting point of the property. All the main living areas are on the main floor, including a luxury fitted De Diertch/ Smeg gourmet kitchen that opens into another outdoor full service kitchen on the outer terrace adjacent. The stunning minimalist lounge and dining room are divided by a double-sided bioethanol fireplace, with access to the inner wading pool and main terraces.
The lower level hosts the fifth bedroom which doubles as a full independent guest suite or future games room. This level includes a stunning retro home cinema/screening room, butler´s kitchen/laundry area and multi-car garage for up to 5 vehicles.
This contemporary house is equipped with air cooling and under floor heating throughout. Each room has iPod/phone connection and the integrated home control system controls lighting, security and media systems as well as the central music and movie library. There is also exterior and interior alarm and video surveillance system.
The grounds have deliberately been left natural to reinforce the architecture and design. There is wild Lavender lining the driveway and a grove of Olive trees to the front. The lower natural levels of the natural landscape feature wild Fig trees, Almond trees, and Pomegranate and Olive trees. At the far corner is a beautiful old Mulberry tree with seating by a historic well.
This award winning property has been featured in “The Times” voted within Europe´s 50 best beach villas, as well as features in The Sunday Times, Irish Independent and many international architectural and design publications.
source