This space, an integral part of the Casa Velha do Palheiro Pousada, builds on the existing structure but develops autonomously. Behind (to the south) and to the rear of our new volume, the golf course invades the environment with its immense green. From south to north there is a slope of about three and a half meters. Currently, this site is abundant in vegetation, protecting the pool area and set back from the edge of the golf course. the golf course.
The intervention should respect the fundamental characteristics of this site. It was important that its volumetry was not excessive, although the program for a quality spa requires a considerable area, and that its connection with the golf course was the golf course. It was necessary for the new construction to have a connection with the old structure, but the architecture should integrate more subtly with the terrain. However, a 470m2 body on a single floor usually has a marked expression, to which the architecture would have to respond with some ingenuity. The solution adopted is based on this strategy of trying to "elude scale", to make it less evident, to integrate this module into the natural hillside, almost as an extension of the golf course, since, at its edge, the terrain is based on paired stone terraces, similar to those often used in agricultural landscapes in the forest.
The new body is slightly sunken into the terrain, from where it emerges in shattered blocks, in fulls and voids, framed in this perspective that the territory appropriates the work, and not a work that takes over the landscape. The roof garden is a junction between the existing vegetation and the grassy edge of the golf course. The building merges with this reality, communicating with the old structure through a glass "sleeve" that separates the old from the new. This communion with nature is also reflected in the interiors. There is a great formal clarity. The spaces obey a very rational division, always in communication with the outside, but with great control over how the space relates to its surroundings.
It is important to be able to enjoy the bucolic and restful environment of this place,
but it is also necessary to safeguard the privacy of those who use this space.
For this reason, great care is taken in the way openings are opened to the outside, or in some cases, even enclosed inner courtyards. A homogeneous architecture was intended, providing a comfortable environment where nature can enter without disturbing it.
