Atelier RUA Designs Sintra Residence with Central Courtyard as Architectural Focal Point

Atelier RUA has completed Casa em Galamares, a residential project in Sintra, Portugal. The house features a distinctive central courtyard that functions as a light well, organizing the interior spaces around this void. Located in the Galamares area within Sintra's verdant foothills, the structure employs a geometric subtractive design approach. The nearly square footprint was modified by removing a diagonal section at the northern corner, creating a dialogue with the site boundary and establishing the home's primary circulation. The ground floor communal areas—kitchen, living, and dining rooms—are oriented inward toward the courtyard, prioritizing privacy and blurring distinctions between inside and outside. An open-plan layout on this level uses exposed concrete beams and a spiral staircase for spatial definition instead of walls. The first floor contains four bedrooms arranged in an L-shape to capture eastern and western light, with some rooms accessing a shared terrace. A rooftop terrace with a steel pergola offers panoramic views of the Serra de Sintra, including landmarks like Pena Palace. The basement incorporates two sunken patios for light and ventilation, ensuring the lower level remains habitable. Exterior elements include a shaded pergola system and pink tiled walls. The design represents a contemporary interpretation of Portuguese villa typology, focusing on internal voids and a connection to the landscape, similar to other regional projects like Beira-Mar II in Aveiro and the House of Green Windows by A2OFFICE.