The Perfect Hangover [001]

Poised beside the Cavado river in Portugal, this modest building could not be more perfectly balanced, says SpaceTM's Mark

Architects Graca Correia and Roberto Ragazzi have given a simple concrete building huge drama and excitement by thrusting it over a hillside. The proportion of the building makes the overhang feel like the balance could be easily tipped.

This project was allowed on preserved land because the site has existing ruins. It could also only be built if none of the surrounding trees were harmed.


Instead of the trees being a hindrance, this weekend retreat makes the most of them. Its cantilever allows you to live both nestled down amongst the tree trunks and then over the foliage canopy at the same time.


It's wonderful to see a building, whose sensitivity to – and celebration of – the nature around it, is integral to its success.

Photos by Juan Rodriguez and Luis Ferreira Alves