"The design consists of the adaptation of two small agricultural buildings and an extension the address the architectural brief. One intends to restore the character of the buildings and of the landscape. Existing elements and new ones establish a clear contrast and violently interpenetrate each other.

The pool was designed later as an invented ruin, inspired from the memory of a number of things belonging either to the landscape of Minho or to other landscapes. It is oriented according to the sun path and seeks to relate itself with everything that surrounds it, “new and old” as if it was an intermediary or an (im)possible synthesis." 


Álvaro Siza, Porto, 1979 



 "The attached design refers to the renovation of a set of 3 rural houses located on the grounds that Mr. Alcino Cardoso owns in Engusto, Moledo do Minho, Caminha. The design consists of preserving the morphologic characteristics of the houses (hereinafter A, B and C) and providing them with acceptable living conditions.

The works include the conversion of the ground floors, previously occupied by animals, and now integrated into small housing units.

House A contains, on the ground floor, 2 bedrooms with their own private bathrooms, and two small kitchens. The upper floor is composed by 2 living rooms, a fireplace, and a bathroom next to the porch. 

House B consists of a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom, and House C, due to its small size (29m2) has only a bedroom and a bathroom. 

The existing roof structure and roof tiles will be restored. 

The exterior walls will maintain the exposed stone masonry. Inside, the finish will be in painted plaster, with wainscots up to 1.50m high in wet areas. 

The pavements will be in wooden flooring over wood beams and in tile in wet areas. 

Interior and exterior frames will be in enameled wood." 


 Álvaro Siza, Porto, 4 February 1988.