A striking new residential project has been completed in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, showcasing an innovative approach to contemporary home design. The House of Espinheira, designed by Partner4Build, represents a unique architectural concept that combines practical form with materials specifically chosen for their resistance and protection against natural elements, resulting in a work of refined architectural language.
The 155-square-meter residence, completed in 2025, was conceived through an extraordinary design process that began with a simple yet profound gesture of folding. Lead architects João Luis Rocha Bento and Susana de Abreu Calvão de Oliveira Bento drew inspiration from architectural origami, exploring the fundamental relationship between form and function by initially working with the simplicity of a paper napkin to develop their concept.
The genesis of the project lies in this initial folding gesture, which evolved into what the architects describe as "architectural origami." This approach allowed them to examine how simple manipulations of form could create complex spatial relationships while maintaining the pragmatic requirements of residential living. The design process emphasized the careful selection of materials that would provide both durability and protection from Portugal's varied climate conditions.
General construction was handled by Filomeno Pequicho of Majestic Ideas, who worked closely with the Partner4Build team to realize the architects' vision. The collaboration ensured that the theoretical concepts developed through the origami-inspired design process could be successfully translated into a functional residential structure that meets contemporary living standards.
Photographer Pedro Machado captured the completed project, documenting how the folding concept manifests in the built environment. The images reveal how the architects successfully transformed their paper napkin experiments into a sophisticated residential design that demonstrates the potential for innovative approaches to contemporary housing in Portugal's architectural landscape.
The House of Espinheira stands as a testament to the power of conceptual thinking in architecture, showing how simple ideas can evolve into complex, refined residential solutions. The project contributes to the growing body of innovative residential architecture emerging from Portugal, reflecting the country's dynamic contemporary design scene.
