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A Layered House that Appears to Defy Gravity

This architectural marvel, located in Paredes, Portugal, was designed by spaceworkers and at first sight, it appears to defy gravity. Look closer and you’ll see that the floors of the tri-level BE house are made of various materials and the middle layer is outfitted with a glass perimeter making you wonder how it doesn’t buckle. From certain angles the glass makes it almost look like it disappears, leaving the massive top floor suspended in mid-air.

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Each floor is designed for different functions. The bottom floor contains the service functions of the home, along with a partially covered pool.

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You could swim under the stairs or even when it’s raining.

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The middle floor, which is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, is the open area that is used for the public spaces of the house.

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From the inside, the large windows frame the landscape that surrounds the house. The soft gray floors and white ceilings and walls above the glass keep the space light and airy.

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A fireplace is built into a faceted white wall creating a focal point in that room.

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The upper floor hosts the private family spaces that are partitioned off for privacy, unlike the mostly open floor below.

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The open second floor is surrounded by plenty of outdoor space letting the residents relax outdoors and enjoy the views.

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Photos by FG+SG.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.