Project: SilverWoodHouse
Architects: Ernesto Pereira
Location: Mindelo, Portugal
Photographs by: João Morgado
SilverWoodHouse by Ernesto Pereira
With no specific budget or deadline, architect Ernesto Pereira‘s only brief was to transform an existing residence into a fascinating home for the clients. In the end, the remodeled residence in Mindelo, Portugal featured diagonal slats of timber set into the facade. This home is now also known as SilverWoodHouse and is located in a coastal area just 14 miles north of Porto.
From the architects: “Simply … the SilverWoodHouse … any attempt to adjectives falls short of the final experience of contemplation … congratulations and thanks Ernesto”
These were the words of my clients Rui and Marisa when asked about SilverWoodHouse. I could not be more impressed by the answer, on my way to see the architecture. A challenge, an interpretation, a creation, by me, not for me, but for someone.
In my first big project and work, the anxiety of the final contemplation and live the power of the space, was huge. I live in it as a guest of course, but I was able to dive into the pool and lie down in the sun, a treat and an honor to take advantage and try my work. Yes, SilverWoodHouse, is my presentation to the world of design, architectural and constructive, my route in the course of a project / work, moves from its conception to its construction. I have literally gotten my hands dirty, mainly in the art of carpentry. More gratifying, still, was seeing the family pleased ( parents included) with the final product, and the pride they felt in showing the “work” to their guests.”
From the architects: “It all started when I found myself without a clear career path after having executed a project for relatives which left me dissatisfied due to the inability to participate in the process from beginning to end. By feeling what architecture could achieve, which I believe was taught to me, I bought an unoccupied house and transformed it into a dwelling and an office. This is my biggest mockup, my ever evolving, endless project.
My upbringing and surroundings were always connected to construction. On one hand I was surrounded by family and friends who were carpenters and masons. On the other hand, I was surrounded by a rural environment where creating gadgets, slingshots and cages were a preferred hobby. In addition, the excessive costs of materialising my ideas lead me the decision of making my own home from start to finish, by making mistakes, unmaking and remaking. As the result thus far was good, a couple who was walking near the beach liked and noticed that my way of perceiving architecture could solve a problem they had.
I was shown the house where the couple intended to live, provided that its transformation was to their liking and amazed them. I was asked to see what could be done with the building, without any budget limit nor deadline. The request only entailed the following: a work of art, a fascinating product in which the couple could see themselves living in.
And so, as I think architecture is the interpretation of the client/user’s needs, I sought out to know them, exhaustively,their tastes, quirks, routine and pleasantries. A solution was presented: The SilverWoodHouse.
The remodelling work was one of a soulless house of typical construction, interior distribution and rural exterior interpretation. I decided to bring the beach to my clients so that they could feel, every day, the proximity of the dunes, sand and untreated wood.
The photographic journal surprised me. The captured moments, the interpretation from people who were strangers in the process, images that can speak for themselves, the simple interpretation, which triggers sensations of pride and care. However, I feel suspicious. I hope you like this interpretation.”
