Symmetry In Sound: A Winery Reborn As A Minimalist Home And Studio For Two Musicians

In the rolling vineyards of Quinta do Álamo in Carnota, Alenquer - about 40 minutes from Lisbon - a former winery has been transformed into a serene architectural sanctuary tailored for two professional DJs. Designed by Italian architecture studio Atelier Matteo Arnone, the House for Two Musicians embraces both the site’s agricultural heritage and the creative needs of its inhabitants.

Project Info

Project Name: House for Two Musicians

Architects/Designers: Atelier Matteo Arnone

Location: Alenquer, Portugal

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Rather than demolishing the old wine storage structure, once used for housing large barrels, the project reinvents it as a contemporary residence that honors its historical roots. This adaptive reuse approach preserves the building’s intrinsic connection to the land and the cultural legacy of the Portuguese wine region.

Symmetry as Architectural Principle

The client’s brief was deceptively simple: a living room, a bedroom, and two identical recording studios. This clear requirement became the conceptual anchor for the entire design, leading Arnone to explore perfect symmetry as both spatial logic and poetic metaphor.

The resulting home unfolds along a central axis, with mirrored functional spaces creating a balanced, calm, and ordered environment. On the ground floor, the living room and kitchen sit opposite a single bedroom. Each opens onto a semi-circular patio, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior while welcoming natural light deep into the plan.

Light, Curves, and Continuity

Key to the architectural experience are the curved patios and voids carved into the original volume. These softly rounded outdoor spaces not only bring daylight into the heart of the home but also offer serene transitions between the built environment and the surrounding vineyard landscape. The absence of sharp corners fosters a sense of flow and continuity, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Thick Walls, Hidden Functions

A defining component of the design is the building’s thick perimeter walls, which are more than structural elements. These robust walls house circulation routes, storage areas, staircases, and built-in furniture, allowing the living spaces to remain open and uncluttered. The result is a minimalist, disciplined interior where form follows function with elegant restraint.

Elevated Creativity

Above the living spaces, the upper floor holds the two circular recording studios - the creative heart of the house. Their rounded geometry not only suits acoustic needs but also reinforces the home’s overall theme of fluidity and balance. With panoramic views of the vineyards, these studios juxtapose the calm rural surroundings with the dynamic energy of musical creation.

A Contemporary Retreat

The House for Two Musicians stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design - a minimalist home where every detail contributes to harmony and serenity. By bridging the past and present, and aligning architectural form with artistic function, Atelier Matteo Arnone has crafted a residence that resonates as deeply as the music created within it.