At Jardins de Santiago, ADDSOLID’s contemporary architecture emerges from a dialogue between landscape, light and everyday living. Discover the concept and architectural vision behind this project set between the Arrábida mountains and the Sado estuary.

 A place between two horizons

Between the green slopes of the Arrábida mountains and the blue waters of the Sado estuary, Jardins de Santiago takes shape as a residential project defined by its close relationship with the surrounding landscape and the clarity of its architectural design.

Located in Setúbal, in an area shaped by proximity to nature and a strong cultural and historical identity, the project is guided by a fundamental principle: living should be an experience of balance — between interior and exterior, privacy and openness, form and function.

The architectural vision: purity, rhythm and continuity

Designed by the architectural studio SCCS Arquitetos, Jardins de Santiago is defined by the purity of its concept and the way spaces are conceived in continuity.

The architecture is based on an intentional interplay of projections and recesses, solids and voids, allowing each home to be read individually, even though the development is composed of terraced houses. This volumetric composition creates rhythm, identity and a sense of independent dwellings, reinforcing both privacy and the uniqueness of each unit.

One of the project’s key pillars is the harmonisation of interior and exterior living.

All homes were designed to connect directly with outdoor spaces — patios, balconies, terraces and gardens — which move beyond a complementary role to become an integral part of everyday living. This blurring of spatial boundaries visually expands the interiors, enhances natural light and strengthens the daily relationship with the outdoors, creating homes that breathe and adapt to the rhythm of those who inhabit them.

A layout shaped by the landscape

Jardins de Santiago comprises 12 townhouses, divided into 6 three-bedroom (V3) and 6 four-bedroom (V4) units, all with east–west solar orientation.

The overall layout respects the logic of the site: the V3 units are located in the first half of the plot, closer to the access road, while the V4 homes occupy the southern area, nearer to the shared garden and swimming pool.

This arrangement maximises the benefits of the natural surroundings while ensuring privacy, functionality and fluid access throughout the development.

The internal layout of each home reflects a practical and contemporary approach to living.

The ground floor concentrates the social areas, with generous living rooms, open or semi-integrated kitchens, bedrooms and direct access to outdoor spaces. The upper floor is reserved for more private areas, including suites, walk-in closets and spacious balconies.

This organisation prioritises spatial flow, flexibility of use and adaptability to different life stages, without compromising comfort or the overall elegance of the project.

Materials that reinforce architectural clarity

The selection of materials and finishes was carefully considered to enhance the volumetric clarity of the ensemble and reinforce its architectural expression.

Ivory-toned trowelled render façades capture and transform light throughout the day, while solid brick lattice elements introduce texture and dynamic shadow play.

Inside, materials follow a logic of restraint, durability and comfort, combined with technical solutions that ensure high energy efficiency, with A+ pre-certification (nZEB). This reflects ADDSOLID’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the long-term sustainability of the project.

Jardins de Santiago is more than a collection of houses. It is an exercise in conscious architecture, where every decision contributes to the quality of everyday living.

From its human-scale layout to its relationship with the landscape, and from material choices to spatial organisation, the project embodies ADDSOLID’s vision: creating spaces where architecture serves well-being, time and contemporary ways of living.