ANDRÉ SANTOS

The project consists of the renovation and conversion of a farm (consisting of a rural house with typical Alentejo layout, an annex and two barns) in a room for a family with four adult children. Located in Évora, Alentejo, the intervention was developed in order to respect the tradition of rural Alentejo architecture with a contemporary approach.

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The intervention focuses on a first stage in the housing building, the two granaries to be renovated in the future are located at each end of the housing. The complex is located on top of a hill and has a privileged view over the surroundings.

One of the premises of the client was the possibility that part of the house and barns could be used for events (family or guests) and to allow the separation of experiences between a private and a public housing area.

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The intervention follows a simple idea: two axis that cross the house longitudinally and that meet in a moment of hinging, a patio. In the continuity of the axis direct connections are created with the exterior, accentuating the view on the landscape. Spacious areas, the connection with private outdoor spaces, patios and ample common areas (living room, kitchen and dining room) are privileged.

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The materials and constructive solutions respect the local tradition: whitewashed white walls, brick blocks on the pavement, two-water roof in wooden structure in the interior and tile by the exterior.