Quinta da Ermida

Concept: Restoration and extension of traditional farmhouse for rural tourism. Context: The Chapel Farm I was based on the creation a single family typology, in conjunction with the existing buildings. In second phase the objective was to an architectural design with a concept of rural tourism unit in the category of country houses. Programme: The objective was the reconstruction and extension of a stonework house and its adjoining building in a rural tourism unit with pathways and trails that cross the surrounding landscape, providing the visitor with the possibility of participating in farming activities, such as planting gum and acacia trees. This architectural project is premised on the concept of promoting visitors' interaction with the rural world and fomenting their discovery of popular architecture. Interaction with rural life and popular architecture is merged with contemporary design and the provision of new services. Strategy: Our strategy was premised on the synthesis of two dimensions: 1) Reconstruction of existing traditional buildings; 2) Extension - Contemporary Architecture. A new architectural configuration that insured relations with the surrounding landscape was proposed that enabled the experiencing of exterior spaces in a manner that assured the harmonious relation of the new building with the surrounding landscape and the pre-existing buildings.