Architect’s words about ‘Villa Charles’

Villa charles

“The site, located at Moraira waterfront, has spectacular views to the Mediterranean sea and the silhouette of the Natural Park of Penon de Ifach. Such impressive views defined the flow of the house and the way it relates with the surroundings.

The existing condition on site had a big difference in grading that allowed the house to be developed in three levels and, most important, it allowed to bring the outdoor swimming pool at a higher level to profit from the stunning sea view, creating an extended terrace has a unique feature but also as an extension of the main living spaces. 

In fact, all key living areas are located around the swimming pool, such as the family kitchen, the dining area and the main living room with a fireplace as focal point. In such configuration the owner can profit from the exceptional weather conditions and also have a sense of intimacy and protection. The main entrance and a guest bedroom (that can be used as a private office) are also located at this level. 

At the upper floor, overlooking the sea, there is the master bedroom suite featuring an open bathroom and a large walk-in closet. This bedroom will have an 8m long window creating a perfect frame view towards the exterior. Sliding wooden shutters will provide the right amount of privacy and sun protection when needed.

Complementing the program of the house, the lower ground floor has additional bedrooms with a private patio facing east and direct access to the swimming pool above. Interconnecting the bedrooms and the main stairs of the house there is a large living room that can work as a multifunctional space and work either as an extra living room, cinema room or a playroom for children. Additional spaces such as wine storage, laundry and storage are all located close to the garage where two large cars can be parked comfortably. 

The program and the careful arrangement of the spaces define an expressive play of volumes with different heights and hierarchy between them. This architectural expression creates a contemporary look that is unique in the area. The exterior façade will be plastered in a warm grey colour and IPE wood will be used on all terraces and at the pergola near the pool, complementing the warm palette of materials. The windows are set back in the façade, creating more shadow and minimal profiles were used to maximize the views towards the sea. 

The landscape design will be lush and special trees will be located in key points to define the entrance patio, to provide shadow or privacy with the neighbour properties. Custom stone walls form the first visible feature of the house from the street side, along with low walls around the house that define walking paths or patios for the different bedrooms.

 On the interior the palette of materials will feature warm and natural materials, with natural stone tiles, oak wooden floors and other types of veneer on the cabinetry. The kitchen will be a custom design with an informal dining area combine with the kitchen island. Bathrooms will feature high materials finishes and hardware. The combination of all aspects of the design create a unique and intimate atmosphere, enhancing a new experience of the Mediterranean lifestyle”

-Humberto Nobrega

Born in Aveiro, Portugal, Architecture degree in FAUP Porto, Portugal / USI Mendrisio, Switzerland, Internship at Peter Zumthor Architect, Haldenstein, Switzerland - 2003/2004, Senior architect at Vincent Van Duysen Architects ‒ 2006/2019