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C/Z House by SAMI Arquitectos
Portuguese studio SAMI Arquitectos have completed a blackened timber house on the hillside of a Portuguese island.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_21.jpg)
Named C/Z House, the stained wooden residence on Pico Island is composed of four rectangular volumes, connected at the centre by a glazed living room.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_31.jpg)
The prefabricated building steps up to follow the inclines of the landscape and has raised terraces on each of its four sides.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_41.jpg)
Two of the rectangular wings accommodate bedrooms and bathrooms, while the third is a garage and the fourth contains a kitchen and dining room.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_51.jpg)
Other recent projects we've featured with blackened wood walls include a playground pavilion with mirrored ends and a Thai bistro - see them both here.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_61.jpg)
Photography is by Fernando Guerra.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_71.jpg)
The following text is from SAMI arquitectos:
C/Z House
This house aims to overlook the various views which can be seen from the highest point of the land.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_8.jpg)
Starting from a set of separate volumes and following the adaptation of the traditional architecture to the terrain, the resulting area between the four volumes was designed as a living space, the walls of which are a continuation of the exterior façades and where only glass separates the exterior from the interior space of the home.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_9.jpg)
Depending on the prevailing wind or the desired view, the house can open out on various landscapes and its connection and permeability with the exterior is total.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_101.jpg)
The solid volume in darkened wood is transformed into four volumes when the large glass panes are opened, allowing the extension of the various platforms of the house.
![C/Z House by SAMI arquitectos C/Z House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_14.jpg)
A system of pre-fabrication was used for this building which was conceived in order to achieve an A+ rating in terms of energy efficiency.
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_27.jpg)
Location: São Roque do Pico, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_29.jpg)
Architects: Inês Vieira da Silva. Miguel Vieira [SAMI-arquitectos]
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_35.jpg)
Team: João do Vale Martins, Inês Martins, Daniel Mentech
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_32-a.jpg)
Project: 2007-2008
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_33.jpg)
Completion: 2008 - 2011
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_28.jpg)
Structural Engineering: Engiaço-Construções Técnicas Lda
![C/Z House by SAMI arquitectos C/Z House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_34.jpg)
Electrical Engineering: Engiaço-Construções Técnicas Lda
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_201.jpg)
Renewable energy use, Acoustical Engineering, Natural Ventilation design: Guilherme Carrilho da Graça - NaturalWorks - Engineering Consultants
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_211.jpg)
Landscape Design: Victor Beiramar Diniz
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_25.jpg)
Construction Company: Engiaço-Construções Técnicas Lda
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_221.jpg)
Furniture: SAMI with Loja Nord
![CZ House by SAMI arquitectos CZ House by SAMI arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/01/Dezeen_CZ-House-by-SAMI-arquitectos_37-a.gif)