Blending into the old town of Matosinhos (Portugal) with its narrow, walled streets is this new house, enclosed by a perimeter wall built of large blocks of granite. Stones were replaced as necessary in this old wall, and the line straightened. The reinforced concrete wall of the house was positioned right up against this boundary, separated from it only by thermal insulation. On the courtyard side, the house opens out to the terraces and pool in a storey-high glass facade. Sliding panels in the facade and rooflights provide for natural ventilation and lighting. In the interior few materials were used: painted, plastered walls, wooden floors and furniture. The floor of the bathroom was tiled in slate.