SHORT DESCRIPTION

Remodelling an old Winery in a state of ruin, known as Casal da Vinha Grande, overlooking the Aldeia Galega da Merceana, adapting it to a housing unit ideal for wine tourism. The design focus was to maintain the image of harmony and reference of the existing construction, set on a promontory, conceived in a logic of coherence and respect for nature. Respect the memories of the pre-existing buildings, keeping the wine deposits, the wine press, and the concrete floor and all the structural elements of the wooden roof trusses. The facades are occasionally torn apart, with large openings facing east and west over the vineyard, protected on the inside by pine shutters, maintaining the raw appearance. The wooden support structure of the existing roof is maintained and recovered, respecting its aesthetic value, but its constructive detail is redefined with the laying of a pine lining, the support base for the new thermal and watertight insulation, and the recycled roof tile. Housing the bedrooms, the extension building is located at a lower level, partially buried. It rises up to the level of the vineyard, like a heavy local stone, sculpted to ensure the opening of the staircase, the shape of the pool and the deep voids in the rooms' openings. The balconies, facing south over the hillside and the vineyard, guarantee privacy and sun protection. An endless swimming pool, carved out of the top of the stone block, and encloses the volume to the east. An underground tunnel in exposed natural concrete, with a fluid and organic design, connects the buildings evoking the wine theme. The access route has been kept to it’s original drawing. Facing north, with access from the kitchen, there is a threshing floor, a barbecue area, associated with wine tasting with a light steel shading structure.