Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape
Portuguese architect Duarte Pape has combined a long stone wall with folding timber facades in this residential extension in northwestern Portugal (+ slideshow).
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_4.jpg)
Duarte Pape used timber cladding and blue limestone to extend the traditional Portuguese house located in a tiny rural village called Mação.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_2.jpg)
"The goal was to create a connection between the old structure and the surrounding nature," explains the architect.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_10.jpg)
A long stone wall constructed from Portuguese blue limestone Ataija runs the entire length of the extension and stretches out into the surrounding landscape, providing protection from prevailing northerly winds.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_5.jpg)
Oriented for maximum sunlight, the south and east facades of the extension are encased in a timber shell with screens that concertina open in front of sliding glass doors.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_14.jpg)
Constructed from American pine, the timber structure extends beyond the building facade forming a chunky frame that overhangs the veranda.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_22.jpg)
A canopy can be suspended within the void of the frame to create a covered outdoor space.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_13.jpg)
The blue limestone floor and wall create a uniform backdrop within the interior space, broken up by a central support column that features a small open fireplace.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_11.jpg)
Private bedrooms and bathrooms are contained within the existing building, while the extension houses living areas, a kitchen and transitional spaces.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_1.jpg)
Duarte Pape collaborated closely with local carpenters and stonemasons during the design and construction process, including local sculptor Moisés Preto.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_17.jpg)
Other timber extensions we've recently featured on Dezeen include a converted chapel with a blackened-timber extension and a timber-clad house extension with curvy towers that point outwards like periscopes.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_20.jpg)
See all our stories about extensions »
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_21.jpg)
Earlier this year we featured a Portuguese house that nestles into the landscape with an angular upper level that follows the incline of the hill.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_3.jpg)
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_25.jpg)
Photography is by Francisco Nogueira.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_24.jpg)
Here's a project description from the architect:
Located in a small village in the Portuguese North West border, the project arises from the necessity of expansion of a preexisting old housing structure, with typical and vernacular identity, and adaptation to new constructive and spatial requirements.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_27.gif)
The preexisting structure – ground floor and first floor levels – hosts the private housing program, rooms and bathrooms, which in the constructive issue, sought to recover some of the traditional construction techniques, keeping as well the humble architecture language.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_28gf.gif)
The new expansion volume, receives the social housing program – living rooms, kitchen and transition spaces – takes on to an contemporary language that searches for the better landscape framework, connected with the efficient sunlight orientation, that creates an fine relation between interior & exterior space. The option for the wood and noble material facade, contributes to the low visual impact and good integration to surrounding atmosphere.
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_29ff.gif)
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_30we.gif)
![Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape Vale da Abelha House by Duarte Pape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/Dezeen_Vale-da-Abelha-House-by-Duarte-Pape_31ee.gif)