BRIGHT IDEAS

César and Marta Machado Moreira have combined warm wood, white brick and chic concrete in their new family home

- JO LEEVERS

This modern house on a quiet, cobbled street in Porto, Portugal, was built by architect César Machado Moreira with family life in mind. He lives here with his wife Marta, who co-runs interior design company Moopi and childrenswear company Piupiuchick, and their three children Guilherme, 11, Maria do Carmo, eight, and Vasco, two months – and it’s a truly personal team project. ‘I created the structure, then I handed over to Marta to do the interior design,’ says César.

From the start, César envisaged the ground floor as largely open-plan. The kitchen and dining area flow out to the garden with its splash pool, which is a hit with the kids almost all year round. ‘We wanted a space that feels unique and works for our family life,’ says César. ‘Even if Marta or I are cooking, we feel included in what everyone else is doing. That is what family life and socialising with friends is all about.’

ADDING CHARACTER