"Designed by Paulo Martins ARQ&DESIGN, the SH House is a compact, two-story weekend retreat located in Sever do Vouga, Portugal. Completed in 2016, the project involved the renovation of an existing stone house, which was originally built in a pastoral countryside setting. The architect's key intervention was the integration of contemporary minimalist design elements while preserving the structure's historical stone walls. The house has a total floor area of 45 square meters. On the ground floor, the social areas—a small kitchen, dining area, and living space—enjoy a direct connection with the surrounding outdoor areas. A weathering steel (corten) staircase, which also incorporates storage, divides the two floors and adds a striking modern contrast to the old stone walls. The upstairs contains a bedroom and bathroom, offering privacy and scenic views of the landscape. Throughout the interior, a minimalist aesthetic and light colors are used to create a sense of spaciousness and openness, maximizing the perception of the compact volume. Project credits Architecture: Paulo Martins ARQ&DESIGN Photography: Ivo Tavares Studio"