Architects: A+Architecture Studio
Area: 560 m²
Year: 2024
Manufacturers: ASM Taps, Orima, Sanindusa
Lead Architects: Pedro Clarke, Camille Bonneau
Architects: António Alves, Rosário De Brito
City: Estremoz
Country: Portugal
This terraced housing project in Estremoz, located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, reorganizes and rehabilitates a cluster of small houses into six modern residential units, combining contemporary living standards with regional material heritage. Each unit opens to a communal garden and swimming pool, enhancing social interaction and shared outdoor space. The design respects local vernacular traditions by using lime, stone, and ceramics sourced from the region, while integrating sustainable features such as water recycling and energy-efficient construction. A key architectural element is the use of vibrant red doors, which contrast with neutral façades and reference Alentejo’s expressive visual culture. Interiors emphasize generous daylighting and spatial comfort. Through restrained intervention and sensitive reuse, the project fosters a cohesive community while reinforcing continuity with the architectural identity of Alentejo.
This housing project in Estremoz reconfigures a group of small existing structures into six terraced homes, arranged around shared outdoor amenities. Located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, the design prioritizes both privacy and community by opening each home onto a collective garden and swimming pool.
The architectural language maintains fidelity to local traditions. The materials—lime, ceramic, and stone—are all typical of Alentejo and ensure both durability and cultural relevance. These were employed to create a consistent visual narrative between past and present, anchoring the new interventions within the regional context.
A distinct feature of the design is the use of red-painted doors. These bold accents not only introduce a contemporary detail but also recall regional customs, where saturated colours animate otherwise muted façades. The doors provide visual identity for each unit and mark individual thresholds while reinforcing communal ties.
Each residence is planned with an emphasis on comfort and natural light. The internal layout is organized to optimize solar exposure, creating open, functional spaces. The shared courtyard and pool area operate as informal gathering spaces, fostering interaction among residents and encouraging a sense of community.
Environmental strategies support long-term sustainability. The project integrates water recycling and energy-conscious construction practices, aiming to reduce its ecological footprint while supporting resident well-being.
By combining material continuity, spatial generosity, and a focus on shared living, the project reframes vernacular architecture as a foundation for sustainable contemporary housing in the rural landscape of Estremoz.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Estremoz, Portugal
The location specified is intended for general reference and may denote a city or country, but it does not identify a precise address.
