House on the Flight of Birds

The House on the Flight of Birds is the name of the latest project of Bernardo Rodrigues, an house located in Ribeira Grande, a municipality on Sao Miguel island in the Azores, Portugal. The building is mainly composed by a central part and by two lateral bodies, recalling the shape of bird’s wings, one enclosing the kitchen, while the other offers a connection to the roof and to the upper floor, where the private rooms are located.

The Portuguese architect aim was to develop a structure able to resist to the adverse weather conditions of the area, characterized by strong winds and frequent showers. This is obtained with a system of walls that externally protect the building by  blocking  winds,  and with the two wing-shaped bodies, that creates a roof, which defends the open spaces on the lower floor from rain.

On the ground floor, in fact, surrounded by the covered patios and courtyards, we find the living area, where the choice of glass for the walls  is capable of adding light to the structure and makes possible to enjoy of the breathtaking landscapes.  The roof provides the last surprise, a terrace with a wonderful view of the north coast of the island.

Photographs: Iwan Baan