Inside a Split-Level Home in Harmony with Nature

A two-story residence showcases innovative design with a split-level system that integrates into its sloped terrain, offering expansive, light-filled living spaces that blend indoor and outdoor environments.

In a hillside neighborhood in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, a 4,375 sq.ft. home by architecture atelier Silverline, takes advantage of its challenging terrain with a clever split-level design.

Faced with a three-meter slope, the architects developed a layout that allows the house to appear as a single-story from the street yet unfold into a spacious two-story structure at the rear.

Access from the street leads guests to an upper half-floor housing the private areas, while the lower levels become a haven for social gatherings. This lower level, although designated as floor -1, benefits from an abundance of natural light, thanks to its strategic orientation and generous windows facing several directions.

The upper floor showcases an elegant use of solid wood slats to create a cohesive visual identity, encompassing the master suite and additional bedrooms, complete with private balconies and ensuite bathrooms. Social zones, such as the living room and kitchen, inhabit the lower floor, where vast glass doors open directly onto outdoor terraces, a garden, and a serene swimming pool.

The home harmoniaes contemporary aesthetics with traditional materials like wood and stone, offering a robust yet inviting presence. By uniting the indoors with the outdoors, the home fuses functionality with style, creating an environment that's both welcoming and versatile.

Photo courtesy of Ivo Tavares Studio