The dwelling is an iconic representation of the archetypical house, with the distinctive feature of an open center that creates a large, triple-height courtyard.
The functional organization of the house, which is located on the outskirts of Leiria, appears conventional; it is divided into private areas or bedrooms, and shared areas. The private areas are sunken beneath ground level, around the central courtyard. Each room opens onto a private patio to enhance the feeling of privacy. In contrast, the shared areas are gathered around the central void, which allows for the entry of natural light and allows for views toward the city center.