Alfeição Estate
The restoration and extension of a rural estate in the hills above Loulé in the Algarve.
The project brings together the refurbishment of several ruined houses with the introduction of a new dwelling set on a plateau below the existing buildings. The aim is to re-establish the estate as a coherent place, balancing the repair of historic structures with carefully placed new elements that sit comfortably within the landscape and reinforce the existing settlement pattern.
The existing buildings are restored using natural materials, including clay tiles, clay plaster and timber, retaining their character while adapting them for contemporary use. A new house is introduced as a quieter counterpart, positioned to take advantage of views across the surrounding hills and towards the Atlantic. A series of terraces extends across the slope, connecting the buildings and forming a sequence of outdoor spaces that follow the natural topography.
Low-impact systems are integrated throughout, including well-sourced water, ground source cooling, photovoltaics and battery storage. Together with a fabric-first approach, these measures support a low-energy strategy, ensuring the estate is durable, adaptable and closely connected to its setting.