PART 1A - Archetype Research of the Casa Tolo House

As an Environmental Filter
Alvaro Leite Siza Vieira's Casa Tolo is unique in its advantageous manipulation of architectural form to replicate and correspond to the existing topography of a rather difficult site in Northern Portugal. Rather than cantilevering out or digging into the site, this weekend house acts as a stairway into nature through a combination of tumbling concrete blocks and staircases cascading effortlessly down the almost 33 degree site (Pearson, 2006, 128). The external form provides a semi-public walkway through the site, presenting the user with breathtaking south facing views whilst the internal spaces tease with glimpses of the view (Slessor, 2007, 39). The roof walkway is also designed as a series of gardens which mediate temperature but also turns the spaces into outdoor rooms indicative of the spaces beneath (Pearson 2006, 128). Despite the almost bunker-like appearance, natural light animates and characterises the interior through huge window cuts in the concrete formwork.

An Aerial View of the Site
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

The Cascading Concrete Form
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

The View Down the Slope
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

As a Container of Human Activities
Designed as a weekend family retreat, the house might not be suitable for every person, but is a great piece of architecture nonetheless. Each concrete block contains a particular function whilst the flat roofs provide patio spaces above. The sequence of interior spaces follows the slope with an office beginning the journey at the summit. This drops down to the main living, dining, and kitchen area which is partially dug into the earth. The three bedrooms are identical cubes with staggered 45 degree orientations to the main axis of the house creating private zones for dress and laundry (Slessor, 2007, 41). A water pool concludes the slope, whilst intermediate levels offer spaces for sitting, reflecting, tanning, and outdoor showering (Pearson, 2006, 129).

Long Section and Floor Plan
Image Source: Architectural Review, 2007, p40

As a Delightful Experience
In the traditional Portuguese way, materials and construction techniques evident are very basic. Raw concrete dominates with its sheer mass indicating geological permanence whist parts of the flat roof are grassed over to soften the loud impact upon the landscape. The interiors are white walled and wooden floored creating a sense of neutrality for an unpretentious lifestyle. Internal stairs are given lightness through an uninhibited cantilever appearance (Slessor, 2007, 41). However this house is as much about the journey as it is the materials and tectonics. From the street the facade is almost invisible and appears as a concrete slab with a bunker like entrance. The house (both internally and externally) then takes the user on a journey down the slope, revealing breathtaking views from all angles (Pearson, 2006, 130).

The Interior Living Space
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

Siza Plays with the Human Journey
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

The Bunker-like Facade
Image Source: Fernando Guerra Photography

References
Slessor, C. 2007. Stair Master. Architectural Review 221(1323): 38-44.

Pearson, C.A. 2006. In Northern Portugal Alvaro Leite Siza Vieira Cascades Casa Tolo Down a Steep Slope Through Terraced Gardens. Architectural Record 194(4): 128-135.