Alfeição Old House
The refurbishment of an existing house in the hills above Loulé in the Algarve.
The house is reworked to strengthen its relationship to the surrounding landscape, with a new living and dining space introduced at first floor level to capture views across the valleys and towards the Atlantic. An existing terrace is extended to form an outdoor dining area, with clay tiles continuing from inside to outside to create a seamless connection between the two.
The building is refurbished using local natural materials, including clay tiles, clay plaster and oak joinery, reinforcing its connection to place. A perforated corten brise soleil is introduced to provide solar protection, reducing heat gain while maintaining outlook. The approach is restrained, allowing the character of the existing structure to remain legible.
Low-impact systems are integrated throughout, including well-sourced water, ground source cooling, photovoltaics and battery storage. The house forms part of a wider project across the Alfeição estate, which includes the refurbishment of several buildings and the addition of new elements, creating a cohesive and adaptable group of spaces within the landscape.