56 DIGS.NET
| 10.21.22
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J O U R N E Y S | C A R VA L H O A R A Ú J O
its natural beauty and high altitude. Built
to capitalize on the former and withstand
the latter, the hillside home is hidden away,
dwelling in the thick of a forest, an inscru-
table structure with an elemental quality.
Otiima House comprises two volumes: the
first is a colossal concrete platform that
grounds the house. The second, appear-
ing to float above it, is a more lightweight
timber, glass and steel form. Together, the
house is a sight with few rivals. One of
them, however, comes after descending
a stone staircase to the entrance of the
house, a path that smartly conceals the
view only for the main space to reveal it
in spectacular fashion via a large "ribbon
window"—as coined by Le Corbus-
ier—that stretches gloriously across the
home's façade.
NCREASINGLY ON THE map as
a destination for design enthu-
siasts, Portugal is steeped in
ancient and historically significant
edifices, and—in what might be a
revelation to those new to this part
of the world—dynamic modern design.
With the likes of architects CVDB and
Pritzker Prize-winner Eduardo de Moura
contributing works of fascination to this
age-old landscape, Portugal is in a vibrant
current moment. Add to their ranks the
architecture of Carvalho Araújo, the
practice behind one of Portugal's most
talked-about buildings, Otiima House.
Originally designed as a family residence
for José Maria Ferreira, Otiima House is a
product of Portugal's striving architectural
ambitions and diversity. Featured on the
BBC program The World's Most Extraor-
dinary Homes, it is located in the country's
heavily wooded north, an area known for
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