Where River Meets Ocean: The Breathtaking Architectural Triumph of Casa Tejo

Monday mornings in early September have a habit of making one dream of an escape. As the summer holidays fade into a sun-drenched memory, our minds inevitably wander to spectacular locales where the architecture is as breathtaking as the view. Here at Coolector HQ, we’ve just stumbled upon a property that ticks all our boxes and then some, courtesy of the exceptionally talented Brazilian firm, Bernardes Arquitetura. Say hello to Casa Tejo, an 835-square-metre masterpiece completed in 2023, perched majestically in Oeiras, Portugal, where the River Tagus finally surrenders to the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

The genius of Casa Tejo lies in its profound conversation with the landscape. Rather than imposing itself upon the sloping terrain of its plot on the iconic Avenida Marginal, the home uses it to its advantage. The defining feature, and the one that truly sets our design-loving hearts aflutter, is the panoramic first floor.

Elevated on slender steel columns, this entire level acts as a magnificent ‘lookout point’, a private viewing gallery cantilevering out towards the horizon. This bold architectural move cleverly creates two distinct experiences: an upper level of serene, private spaces with unparalleled ocean vistas, and a spectacular, sheltered outdoor living area on the ground floor beneath it. It’s a design that is both incredibly dramatic and wonderfully practical.

The journey through the home is a masterclass in architectural procession. Entry is gained via a partially subterranean level, a dramatic arrival flanked by a chunky, pale stone wall that runs the length of the property, acting as a grounding axis. From here, the home unfolds. The architects designed the upper levels in a triangular form, a strategic choice that orients the bedrooms perfectly towards the sea, each one spilling out onto its own sheltered balcony. To ensure the deep floor plan is never gloomy, a large triangular light well is carved into the centre of the home, pulling daylight down into its very core and adding another layer of geometric intrigue.

If the elevated first floor is the home’s signature statement, then the expansive ground-floor terrace is its soul. This is where the magic of indoor-outdoor living is realised to its fullest potential. Flowing seamlessly from the internal living spaces, this vast terrace is an entertainer’s dream. It features multiple seating areas for gatherings, a mesmerising suspended fireplace for cooler evenings, and a tranquil shallow pool that mirrors the sky above.

All of this overlooks the garden and the endless blue of the sea beyond. It’s a space crafted not just for living, but for experiencing the sublime beauty of the Portuguese coast. The material palette throughout—with warm timber planks lining the ceilings, the rugged honesty of the exposed stone, and the quiet sophistication of dark timber floors in the bedrooms—creates an atmosphere of grounded, tactile luxury. Casa Tejo is more than just a house; it’s a living sculpture and a perfectly calibrated instrument for observing the spectacular dance between river, ocean, and light.

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