Casa do Lado

A Project That Redefines Scale
escala (nome fem.):
1. The organisation of categories or classes according to their importance.
2. A graduated line that, on maps, charts, plans, and the like, relates actual distances or dimensions to their represented counterparts.
3. An indication of the proportions between the measurements of a drawing or representation and the actual size of the object depicted.

Program: Single-family home | T1
Intervention area: 26,5m²
Location: Águeda, Portugal
Client: private
Year: 2025 –
Architecture: CURO
Archviz: Joana Marques
Topographic Survey: Topografo Fernando Pinto
Engineering Eng.º Luís Ferreira e Eng.º Luís Quintal

The Casa do Lado It is an exercise in synthesis between scale and intention, conceived as a residential refuge for a couple. With a compact footprint of just 26.5m², this single-family home located in Águeda, Portugal, offers a new perspective on contemporary living in small-scale contexts.

This project was born from the desire to find functionality, comfort, and identity within a minimal space. It thus challenges conventional notions of size and program, revealing that architecture, even at a small scale, can be both profound and engaging.

The interior layout emphasises fluidity and natural light. The bedroom, defined by a reading nook by the window and a palette of warm materials — natural wood, neutral textiles, and blue accents — creates a welcoming and serene atmosphere. The kitchen, on the other hand, is tucked neatly beneath the stairs, combining intelligent design with textured materials that evoke a sense of informal elegance.

The name "Casa do Lado" suggests neighbourhood, proximity, belonging — a house that, despite its modesty, asserts itself with character and a sense of place. The intervention respects the urban context of Águeda, subtly and harmoniously integrating into the existing fabric. This is a project where architecture is measured not by square meters, but by its ability to evoke well-being, identity, and belonging.