Manuel Aires Mateus founded an architectural office together with his brother Francisco Aires Mateus in 1988 directly after graduating, virtually as a family business. Both quickly developed an unmistakable style that is characterised by understatement and minimalism. Aires Mateus' houses are always more than just an attractively designed roof over one's head. The sense of space and the interplay of his houses with the surrounding nature all create the impression of coming to rest. We had the opportunity to visit his Offices in Lisbon and one of his homes in the stunning Alentejo region of Portugal, and our companion for the journey: the new Mercedes EQS.