Bemposta House

Embedded in the nature and looking at the sea, siting on the mountains foothills of Estoi, Algarve, Portugal, a group of old inhabitable ruins enjoys the calmness and tranquillity of the countryside. Bemposta House – The renovation proposal was developed according with the geographic situation of the plot, maintaining its major qualities while introducing modern equipment in order to guarantee the capability of a more contemporary use.

Its simple typology evokes a clear separation between the private areas and the social areas, with three bedrooms, which one is in suite, looking over the swimming pool and with the sea in the horizon. The living room has a double hight with a mezzanine, which connects the upper entrance with the ground floor and the kitchen platform in a large flexible open space, that combines all interior social program. One of the more important aspects is the solar exposition, from south and west, that reveal a bright and hot light, very pleasant in the winter, but not so desirable in the summer time. Due to this fact, an uncommon detail for the window stone framework was developed, giving depth to the openings with the purpose of obtaining controlled shade and light, creating a passive system in order to outcome the weather discrepancies throughout the year.

The house relates with the landscape by its traditional looks and vernacular materials, along with type of inclined roof, covered with Portuguese red tiling.