FCC Arquitectura gives a crumbling stone farmhouse a modern facelift

Crumbling stone facades are often regarded as an eyesore, but not for <a href="http://fc-arquitectura.com/" target="_blank">FCC Arquitectura</a>—the Portuguese architecture firm <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/farmhouse-renovation" target="_blank">successfully transformed a former farmhouse’s</a> deteriorated stone frame into an eye-catching asset for a modern home. Located in northern Portugal, Casa RM is a two-story home that mixes the local vernacular with modern design. The home’s boxy volumes comprise two gutted stone buildings with a white, modern addition sandwiched between the two shells.

Sited on a steep slope, Casa RM overlooks sweeping views of the city down below.

Outdoor balconies and large glazed windows take advantage of those views and bring natural light into a contemporary, mostly white interior.

The building’s palette of white walls, glazing, and stone is complemented by red, pre-rusted steel that the architects used for the privacy screens, an outdoor stairway, and garage door.

"The new volumes are developed and are born from the ruins," said the architects to Dezeen. "The new housing is located within these limits, like a loose box."

The steep slope also created an opportunity for landscaped terraces.

The upper level comprises an open-plan kitchen and dining space at the southern end of the house, the sleeping quarters, and a living space that opens out onto an outdoor deck and garden.

The lower level consists of the garage, laundry, and storage areas.