To Restart is a project centers on the restoration and extension of a vacant ruin, located within a protected landscape, transforming it into a residence for a part-time farmer. The small plot size and limitations on ground-level expansion present significant challenges, shaping the design approach.
The concept seeks to create a dwelling that transcends its physical boundaries, integrating the landscape as part of the living experience. A 'forest' of columns is introduced, establishing a dialogue with the lush chestnut and cork trees that define the site.
On the upper level, the structure expands slightly to accommodate two bedrooms, making efficient use of the available space. This formal gesture, along with the pronounced chimney, defines the architectural character of the building. While the design subtly echoes the silhouettes of traditional Alentejo houses, it simultaneously draws upon broader European architectural references, such as Mackintosh's Hill House and Josef Frank’s Viennese villas. The exterior is predominantly painted in olive green, allowing the house to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Upon closer inspection, the green surface does not obscure the volumetric depth of the building; the thickness of the walls, especially between the windows and façade, remains white, emphasizing the layering of materials and forging a visual link between the house and the trees, rather than the surrounding rocks.
Recovered stones from sections of the original ruin are repurposed to create an access path, following an approach reminiscent of Dimitris Pikionis. This gesture integrates the new intervention into its natural context, blending the built and natural environments seamlessly.
2023
Location: Serra de São Mamede, Portugal
Programme: Transformation
Surface: 140m2
Status: Execution Phase
Client: Private
Photography: Federico Farinatti