This purist cube sits unobtrusively in the semi-arid Alentejo region of southern Portugal. The first in a group of four, the house is set at an angle to a square platform containing water reserves and a swimming pool. Four small patios and two loggia-like entrances pierce the seemingly monolithic structure. Ancillary rooms, lowered slightly, are grouped around a central lounge/dining area, compounding the impression of introversion. The central courtyard brings additional light into the very deep (14 m) ground plan. All walls and façades are hollow with cavity insulation. White dominates on surfaces inside and out, the reddish tones of the wooden loggia screen providing welcome colour contrast.