Context
This project involved the renovation of an Alentejo farmhouse in Portugal, focusing on former stables and existing outbuildings. The goal was to create new living and pool support spaces while maintaining the reading of the original structures and their relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Programme and Uses
The intervention included the creation of a living area with views and direct access to the pool via a covered porch, a dining area, exterior support spaces with bathroom facilities, as well as a small apartment for a caretaker. A functional connection to the existing cellar was also established.
Before and After
Before the intervention, the complex included two stables, two outbuildings and a characterless exterior space. After the renovation, the space now includes a living area, dining area, covered porch, pool bathroom and WC, all organised in a coherent and functional way.
Intervention Strategy
The main challenge was to preserve the original character of the existing rammed earth (taipa) structures while introducing new functions and compatible materials. All solutions sought to respect the constructive and thermal properties of this traditional building system.
Relationship with Climate and Exterior
Positioning the pool alongside the existing structures and introducing a covered porch created a shaded outdoor living space in direct relationship with the pool. This transition between interior and exterior contributes to the thermal integrity of the spaces, taking advantage of the properties of the rammed earth walls and reducing the need for mechanical climate control.
Construction Solutions
The combination of contemporary structural reinforcement techniques with the traditional thick rammed earth walls made it possible to create a significantly sized opening, reinforcing the visual and functional connection between interior and exterior spaces.
