Located in Belelo, Meixedo, Viana do Castelo, Quinta do Fortunato, a structure ofTurismo no Espaço Rural (Tourism on a Rural Space) resulted in the design of twolodging units, with the exploitation of the preexisting buildings, long ago used as cut ofcattle and rain fed.
The testimony of the existing building is underlined, in both houses, with the almostcomplete maintenance of the structures, adding new volumes of that guarantee, fromthe start, the relationship between the old and the new in different forms adequateand merged, giving space to the preservation of the vernacular architecture of thisregion of the country - the Alto Minho – and thus becoming a structure closer tocontemporary architecture.
The site of the building, although not located at high altitude, allows to appreciatemagnificent views. This was taken into account in the space distribution inside,guaranteeing from the outset the relationship with the environment as a guideline,always safeguarding privacy. All the glazing harmonizes with the outside, givingpriority to comfort and the visibility needed for the interior, always recognizing theoriginal design of the buildings.
Constructively it is worth mentioning the reconstruction of part of the stone masonry,as it was in an advanced state of degradation, in order to guarantee the comfort of thedwellings and to maintain the existing draft. The gables added to both buildings areoriented towards the North to guarantee both the support of the new elements andthe proper protection.
The limited budget turned out to be our ally, taking into account the adoption of lowcost solutions. The main materials used are the local granite stone masonry, the pine,the concrete in sight and the glass. The iron is also used in the execution of theguardrails and the vertical accesses.
Inside the building a continuity to the outside is assured, with a simple and elegantfunctional structure and the same type of materials. The importance given to thecomfort and proximity to the "home", allows to profit from the space in a continuousand interconnected way between inside and outside.
Vernacular and contemporary architecture meet in a symbiosis of preservation andinnovation.
