In a distant land, five sisters stand together, sharing similar features yet each expressing a unique essence—whether it be beauty, fierceness, calmness, elegance, or intelligence.
They reside by the lake, their feet nearly touching the water’s edge. Bound inseparably yet fiercely independent, they exist as a collective—hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder—gazing toward the horizon. Their reflections ripple endlessly across the water, mirroring themselves and one another. Each absorbs light distinctively, radiating individual beauty, but together, they shine even more brilliantly.
They maintain a respectful distance from nearly everyone, which only fuels greater curiosity. Starting from an almost flawless white, their forms evolve to create dynamic shadows that highlight and reflect light in ever-changing ways. Constantly shifting like delicate eyelashes, their sunshades adjust openings to gently filter sunlight into their interiors.
Since we first met them, time has passed slowly. We have gradually uncovered their edges, curves, openings, and gaps. Though we created them, they quietly reveal their true nature—similar yet distinct. No two beauties are identical; repetition exists only in variation. Close as they are, each holds their own space.
Recently, I visited them to deepen my understanding. Circling around them or truly knowing them is no simple task.
Each sister has always possessed a distinct personality, which has become more pronounced over time. Today, they stand mature, their forms almost fully realized—perhaps that is true beauty.
Tavira, 10.12.2023
Carlos Castanheira
Project Drawings
▲ Architectural Model
▲ Architectural Model
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Hand-drawn Sketch
▲ Base Schematic Diagram
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional & Elevation Drawing
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional & Elevation Drawing
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional & Elevation Drawing
▲ Sectional View
▲ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architects: Carlos Castanheira, Álvaro Siza
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Hou Bowen
Architects: Álvaro Siza, Carlos Castanheira
Portuguese Office: CC& CB, Architects, Lda.
Coordination Personnel: Luís Reis, Nuno Campos, Pedro Carvalho
Project Team: Elisabete Queirós, Isabel Carvalho, Simon Liu, Rita Saturnino, Sara Pinto, Diana Vasconcelos, Rita Ferreira, Sara Franco, Stefano Dettori, Francesca Tiri, Erika Musci, Susana Oliveira, Sofia Conceição, Inês Bastos
3D Modeling: Pedro Afonso
Consultant: Zhejiang Huazhi Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Construction Supervisor: Liu Chunyi
Ningbo Office: Landscape Architecture Design and Research Institute of China Academy of Art
Engineering Team: Hangzhou Mingjiepu Electromechanical Design Firm Co., Ltd
Construction Team: Zhejiang Wanhua Construction Co., Ltd
Building Area (Villa 1): 1,762 m²
Building Area (Villa 2): 2,029 m²
Building Area (Villa 3): 2,081 m²
Building Area (Villa 4): 1,813 m²
Building Area (Villa 5): 2,165.6 m²
Location: Ningbo
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