Alagoinha
Farmhouse
1. IDEA
Located on a 3.4 ha farm in Alentejo the original farmhouse was surrounded by a ‘crown’ of stone pine trees (Pinus Pinea L.).
The concept for this house was to keep the small existing footprint and the original construction method of ‘taipa’, consisting of thick adobe-like walls that offer great thermal resistance for hot summer weather.
2. PROCESS
The traditional ‘taipa’ construction methods consists of wet earth compacted into formwork, with a plaster finish which allows the taipa walls to breathe.
Limiting the footprint to the existing house was a challenge. The small 60 m2 house would be made grand with its whitewash and light colored finishes, added natural light, higher ceiling and by expanding into the exterior with an outdoor kitchen, shower and living areas.
3. SOLUTION
The living is easy in the Alentejo region and the climate is arid and mild, with nearly 3000 hours of sunshine during an average year.
A wood deck provides an extension to the house, which creates a continuation of the living and dining room to the outside.
The exterior spaces have been renaturalized with perennial, endemic and adaptive species which do not require irrigation, a scarce resource in the region, but still provide color and life throughout the year.
In this quiet corner, often, the only thing that can be heard is the sound of pine trees rustling in the wind.
Peaceful and relaxing inside and out.
