Modern building with rammed-earth facade and wooden pergola.

A modern building with a rammed-earth facade and a wooden pergola extending over an outdoor seating area.

A series of minimalist, rectangular structures with earthy tones situated in a rocky, arid landscape under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of a modern building situated on a hillside with a swimming pool and sun loungers under umbrellas.
A modern building with a flat roof and warm lighting, surrounded by natural landscape at dusk. In the foreground, there is a swimming pool and two lounge chairs with umbrellas.
A landscape view of a modern building nestled in a lush, green hilly area under a partly cloudy sky.
A modern building nestled in a lush, green landscape with dense trees under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a building nestled among dense, green forested hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a long rectangular building surrounded by dry landscape and scattered trees.
A textured, earthy wall with plants and a minimalist outdoor lamp in front.
Outdoor seating area with white cushioned furniture and a large umbrella against a textured wall.
A covered outdoor walkway with a wooden roof supported by metal poles, featuring a small table and chair set, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
A cozy outdoor seating area with two chairs and a table is positioned in front of a doorway leading to a bedroom. The ceiling above is made of wooden slats, allowing light to filter through.
A close-up view of a textured wall next to a rocky surface.
A serene outdoor setting featuring a small rectangular pool surrounded by sun loungers with white cushions and umbrellas. The area is nestled in a natural landscape with lush green trees and shrubs.
A serene landscape view at sunset, featuring a pool in the foreground and a vast expanse of green hills and trees stretching towards the horizon.
A long corridor with a series of doorways, featuring wooden beams on the ceiling and a brick floor, creating a sense of depth and repetition.
A view through a series of aligned doorways in an interior space, creating a tunnel-like perspective. The walls and doors are made of wood, and the floor is composed of small tiles.
A cozy interior room with a minimalist design, featuring a low sofa with cushions, a small side table with a lamp, and a large window with curtains. The room has a warm, earthy color palette and a woven rug on the floor.
A cozy interior space featuring a potted plant next to a floor lamp, with a view through multiple doorways creating a sense of depth.
A cozy interior space featuring wooden ceilings, a light-colored sofa, wooden coffee tables, and a soft ambient light in the background.
A cozy interior space featuring a wooden ceiling with exposed beams, a white sofa, floor lamps, and a potted plant. Light filters through sheer curtains, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A cozy interior space featuring a white sofa, a floor lamp, a potted plant, and sheer curtains gently blowing in the breeze. The room has a wooden ceiling and brick flooring.
Interior view of a corridor with wooden ceiling beams, brick flooring, and a seating area with white furniture.
A warm, inviting interior space featuring a white sofa, a floor lamp, and a series of wooden beams on the ceiling. The room has a cozy atmosphere with earthy tones and a view through multiple doorways.
A warm, rustic kitchen and dining area featuring wooden furniture and cabinetry, with pendant lights hanging from a wooden ceiling.
A dining room with a long wooden table surrounded by chairs, a pendant light above, and a window with curtains offering a view of the landscape.
A cozy interior space featuring a wooden ceiling and walls, with a central window offering a view of greenery outside. Two lamps with fabric shades are placed symmetrically on a wooden surface.
Interior view of a room with earthy tones, featuring a wooden chair, a floating shelf with a green vase, and a freestanding bathtub with a gold faucet.
A minimalist bathroom with a wooden ceiling, brick flooring, and a shower area with a curtain. Towels hang on the wall, and a modern toilet is visible.
A minimalist bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub with a sleek faucet, positioned in front of sheer curtains that allow soft natural light to filter through.
A minimalist interior space featuring a round mirror, a cylindrical stone sink, a wooden chair with a book on it, and a towel hanging on the wall.
A minimalist interior space featuring a wooden chair placed against a smooth, earthy-toned wall. The floor is made of brick tiles, and there is soft natural light illuminating the area.
A minimalist interior space with rammed-earth walls and a skylight casting light onto the surface.
Minimalist interior space with earthy tones and simple geometric forms, featuring a bench and a wall with soft lighting.
A minimalist interior space with a textured wall and a wooden doorway, featuring natural light casting shadows.

Story

A rammed-earth sanctuary in the wild hills of Melides Rooted in the untamed landscape of Melides, RockRose emerges as a sanctuary that harmonizes architecture with nature. Designed by Aires Mateus, this retreat house is conceived to foster clarity, health, and inner balance. The structure is crafted from rammed earth, a material choice that speaks to its longevity and sustainability. The design ethos embraces organic living, evident in the use of locally sourced organic food and natural-fiber linens. This approach extends to the spatial arrangement, where every room is oriented to maximize views of the surrounding hills, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior.

## Design Highlights

Rammed-earth construction for sustainability and integration with the landscape Orientation of rooms to capture panoramic views Use of natural materials and organic elements throughout Emphasis on creating a tranquil and restorative environment

## Key Facts

Detail Information
Location Melides, Portugal
Architect Aires Mateus
Material Rammed Earth
Function Luxury Retreat House

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Textured, earthy walls
  • Ceiling Finish: Wooden ceilings with exposed beams

Materials

  • Rammed-earth — Facade and interior walls
  • Wood — Ceilings, furniture, and structural elements
  • Brick — Flooring

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Rammed-earth construction

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: earthy tones, natural hues
  • Lighting: Warm and inviting with natural light

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