A stunning oceanfront villa in Portugal has been completed by Brazilian architecture firm Bernardes Arquitetura, featuring a dramatic elevated first floor supported by steel columns that creates a spectacular "lookout point" overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Named Casa Tejo, the 835-square-meter residence was finished in 2023 and sits prominently along the Avenida Marginal in Oeiras, where visitors can witness the mouth of the River Tagus flowing into the Atlantic.
The architectural design responds thoughtfully to both the breathtaking ocean views and the site's challenging topography. Bernardes Arquitetura strategically nestled the home's low-lying upper level into the natural landscape, allowing it to extend gracefully toward the sea views above a large open terrace designed for social gatherings. The firm explained that the steep slope of the land directly influenced their design approach, stating, "As a result of the landscape in which it is located and the features of the land – a steep slope – Casa Tejo is a lookout point and gazes entirely towards the sea."
From the project's inception, the architects prioritized integration with the local natural environment. "From the beginning, we sought to integrate the residence into the local natural landscape, emphasizing the unique views and blending the interior and exterior," the studio added. The site's slope enabled the creation of a partially subterranean access level at the base of the home, which is flanked by a substantial stone wall running along the back of the plot and a curved concrete wall that provides access to the garage.
The home's distinctive triangular form aligns with what the architects call the stone "axis" wall, a design decision that creates two panoramic glazed elevations for the bedrooms. These bedroom spaces are strategically oriented toward the sea and open onto sheltered balconies, maximizing the stunning ocean views. Where the upper level meets a higher area of the site at the rear, an area of paving and landscaping is overlooked by large windows, and a staircase provides access to a rooftop terrace.
At the center of the home, a large triangular light well serves a crucial function by pulling natural light deeper into the floor plan, where internal living spaces seamlessly flow onto an expansive terrace. The architects describe how "a main stone axis runs through the site from end to end, defining the vertical circulation and internal spaces, which are connected to the garden by large glass frames." They further explain that "next to this axis, a triangular opening lets in natural light and visually connects this level to the upper floor."
The outdoor spaces have been carefully designed to maximize comfort and views. Sheltered by the bedroom level above, the external terrace contains two distinct seating areas accompanied by a suspended fireplace and a shallow pool, all overlooking the garden and the sea beyond. The design ensures that "on the top floor, the private areas are sheltered, creating privacy and extending the view to the horizon," according to the studio.
Throughout the interior, spaces are characterized by ceilings lined with narrow timber planks, while the exposed, pale stonework of the rear wall forms a consistent visual backdrop throughout the living areas. This timber ceiling treatment continues into the bedrooms, where it is complemented by a simpler palette of white walls and dark timber flooring. The architects emphasize that "the concise choice of natural materials such as stone, wood, fabrics and a palette of warm tones brings lightness and coziness to the project."
The bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling glazing that opens onto private balconies, ensuring that the ocean views remain the focal point from every private space. This design philosophy reinforces the home's primary function as a viewing platform for the dramatic coastal landscape.
Bernardes Arquitetura, led by Thiago Bernardes, operates offices in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Lisbon. The firm has an impressive portfolio of previous residential projects, including two notable villas near Rio de Janeiro – one topped by a sweeping, wing-shaped roof, and another comprised of a sequence of low-lying pavilions featuring terracotta-colored concrete walls. The photography for Casa Tejo was captured by Fernando Guerra, showcasing the home's integration with its spectacular coastal setting.
