2003 - 2011
Located near the medieval village of Óbidos, Bom Sucesso Resort is an ambitious architectural endeavor that brings together the work of renowned contemporary architects. Among the 600 villas spread across its 150 hectares, Luís Carrilho da Graça’s 14 modern homes stand out for their bold design, spatial organization, and seamless integration with the landscape.
Originally envisioned in white, these villas instead became known for their striking red façades, a defining feature that gives them a strong architectural presence. Positioned along the golf course, overlooking holes 12 and 13, the houses blend harmoniously with centuries-old olive trees and the surrounding terrain. Unlike conventional layouts that place dwellings at the center of plots, Carrilho da Graça positioned his houses along the periphery, allowing for expansive courtyards that serve as the heart of each home. This design ensures privacy while fostering a sense of openness and connection to nature.
The architectural vision emphasizes strict horizontality, with the houses appearing as elegant reference planes that follow the natural contours of the land. Some villas extend like bridges, allowing visitors to see underneath the elevated living spaces, reinforcing the seamless indoor-outdoor experience. High ceilings and tall doors enhance the sense of space and light, contributing to the minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic. Notably, the absence of dividing walls or hedges allows the architecture itself to define boundaries, further integrating the homes into the landscape.
Carrilho da Graça’s project includes 14 villas (T3 and T4), some with garages, located at Caminho das Magnólias—four of which remain unbuilt. As the architect explains:
“The concept of building the houses along the site boundary leaves room for large gardens and courtyards, which ensures a high level of privacy for each individual villa. The various living areas are designed around this spacious outdoor area.”
His work at Bom Sucesso Resort is a testament to his commitment to creating functional, elegant spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. These villas are extensively documented on his official webpage, featuring detailed architectural plans, and are highlighted in Guia de Arquitetura Carrilho da Graça – Projetos Construídos, underscoring their significance within his body of work.
T3-4, Lot 190-202 at Bom Sucesso Resort (4 unbuilt)