Salt Color House: A Dialogue Between Memory and Modernity
The Salt Color House, designed by architect Rómulo De Almeida Ne, is a striking project situated along the Mira Channel in Costa Nova do Prado, Portugal. With its stunning location, the house draws upon the unique environment defined by the saline waters of the channel, the vibrant hues of the local vegetation, and the distinct sensory experiences that pervade the area. This architectural work is not merely a structure but a deeply personal reflection on the architect’s memories and a harmonious negotiation between the creative vision of an architect and the pragmatic demands of living space.
A Personal Architectural Journey
From the outset, the design process for the Salt Color House presented Ne with a unique challenge: to reconcile his dual role as both architect and client. This internal conflict, between the idealism of architectural theory and the realities of personal living requirements, initially clouded the clarity of the design process. Yet, as Ne himself notes, this tension ultimately matured into a productive dialogue, resulting in a home that successfully marries aesthetic ambition with lived experience.
The personal nature of the project extends beyond Ne’s own involvement to encompass the collaborative relationship with his wife, a co-habitant and co-creator. This partnership demanded compromises between their differing aesthetic preferences and ideas about functionality. Ne’s wife brought forth the question of how one inhabits a space, leading to a balance between his more “erudite” architectural lines and a more pragmatic approach to domestic living. The resulting design embodies the meeting point of two distinct but complementary visions of what a home should be.
A Material Palette of Simplicity and Elegance
The material selection for the Salt Color House reflects careful consideration of both the natural context and the aesthetic dialogue between simplicity and complexity. Ceramics, wood, and aluminum dominate the material palette, with each material chosen not only for its practical properties but also for its symbolic resonance within the context of coastal architecture. White serves as the primary color, emphasizing the purity and openness of the space while evoking the salt-laden air that defines the house’s maritime surroundings.
The recurring use of white, which Ne poetically describes as “salting” the corners of the house, enhances the sense of lightness and tranquility throughout the interior. This monochromatic approach, however, is far from monotonous. It serves as a canvas that reflects the shifting light of the surrounding landscape, creating a dynamic interplay between the interior and exterior environments.
Light and Space: The Architectural Heart
One of the defining features of the Salt Color House is its spatial organization, which creates a seamless connection between the interior and exterior environments. The design includes an interior patio that acts as a bridge to the southern façade of the house, ensuring that natural light permeates the home. This careful manipulation of light not only illuminates the space but also anchors the house in its surroundings, fostering a continuous dialogue with the estuary beyond.
The house’s verticality is another critical aspect of its design. Ne introduced half-floors to mitigate potential flooding due to the fluctuating water table, while also creating a dynamic vertical flow between the levels. The basement, tucked safely above potential flood levels, connects fluidly to the upper social spaces, ensuring a cohesive spatial experience throughout the home.
The social area, located on the uppermost floor, offers expansive views of the Mira Channel, capitalizing on the house’s privileged location. The design of this space, with its generous ceiling height and open layout, makes it ideal for hosting family gatherings and social events. This area seamlessly connects to the rooftop terrace, which Ne refers to as the house’s “lighthouse.” The terrace not only provides panoramic views of the estuary but also serves as a metaphorical and literal beacon, emphasizing the home’s relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Balancing Modernity and Nostalgia
Ultimately, the Salt Color House is an architectural narrative that speaks to both personal memory and contemporary design principles. The project negotiates the tensions between modernity and nostalgia, between the clean lines of contemporary architecture and the organic, sensory experiences of the coastal environment. Ne’s ability to infuse the project with both personal reflection and universal appeal results in a house that transcends its function as a mere dwelling and becomes a living embodiment of place, memory, and architectural innovation.
For those interested in the intersection of architecture, memory, and the natural environment, the Salt Color House offers a compelling study. It stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when architects not only design for others but also themselves, weaving their personal histories into the fabric of the built environment.
All images © by Ivo Tavares and Rómulo De Almeida Ne. Feel free to find other inspiring architecture and interior design projects on WE AND THE COLOR.
