Penedo is a small old village located on the northwest end of Serra de Sintra. This region has its typical architecture usually defined by simple white two-story volumes with few windows and Portuguese tiled roofs. The client felt that the existing and strongly characteristic vernacular house was not enough to be able to enjoy the summers outside and that it would be a shame to lose that opportunity. So, he built a swimming pool with plenty of space around to be and relax.

The brief was to design a Gazebo to shelter from the sun during the long hot summers. The main idea was to create a defined perimeter of low walls, flexible enough to sit, to cook, to grow plants and to make them comfortable. Like an exterior living room. The thick low walls gave the impression of a ruined old vernacular construction, so a light metal structure to protec it seemed appropriate. The grey micro-cement was chosen to further highlight this “ruin atmosphere”. By doing that, the shelter doesn’t clash with the house and instead exalts it.