190 Vale Negro

Vale Negro Hill is situated in a highland area near the villages of Sabóia and Santa-Clara in the municipality of Odemira.
On the site, which covers an area of approximately 4 hectares, there are two houses built using different construction methods. The original house on the hill, now in ruins, was built of adobe, whilst the more recent house, which remains habitable, was built of masonry.
The aim of the project was to preserve the existing house, reconfiguring its roof, and to rebuild the ruined house.
The intention is for the existing house to be converted into a permanent home for a couple with two children, whilst the new building will house a small rural guesthouse with three bedrooms and a communal area.
As a design strategy, it was decided to unite the two existing houses under a single roof, transforming the two structures into a single building. It was proposed to realign the layout of house in ruins, creating continuity between the two structures and intertwining the interior spaces of the houses with courtyards.
For the south-facing façade, a porch was designed that runs the full length of the building, providing a seating area and shade.