Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca

Ouriçal, 2024

Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca

Located in the breathtaking mountains of northern Portugal, this renovation project gives new life to a 30-year-old schist house, transforming it into a self-sufficient haven. Built in a conventional and almost empirical manner, the original structure presented spatial, thermal and structural challenges but also great potential. Through excellent craftsmanship, this potential could be awakened, creating a unique building that harmonizes with its inhabitants and the environment.

The original construction lacked essential features such as waterproofing, thermal insulation, ventilation and connections between interior and exterior spaces. Additionally, the courtyards were seldom used due to direct sun exposure. The surrounding mountainous area face increasing challenges from dryness, water scarcity and fires due to climate change.

Our goal was to transform this house into a sustainable retreat that respects the surrounding forest, utilizing bio-based materials such as wood, cork, lime, steel, stone, non-toxic paints and bespoke wooden furniture. This approach not only connects design with the inhabitants’ needs but also enhances the overall quality of life. The new design interconnects previously isolated spaces, combining low and high-tech systems with passive and active bio-climatic principles. This approach optimizes natural light and ventilation while balancing sun and shade for improved comfort and seamless integration with the surroundings. A rainwater harvesting system and photovoltaic panels were installed along with high-efficiency thermal devices for overall water and energy efficiency.

Our clients, Kelli and Matt, as progressive-thinkers, are committed to the environment and quality design. They believe that thoughtful design enhances life quality and strengthens connection to nature. Together, we transformed their house into a new home that showcases the craftsmanship of wood, cork, lime, stone, and steel while promoting regenerative design for improved comfort, energy efficiency and water conservation, all holistically connected.

This project has also been a rewarding collaboration with outstanding professionals eager to challenge conventional construction norms and apply innovation for greater impact.

[PT]

Situado nas deslumbrantes montanhas do norte de Portugal, este projeto de reabilitação introduz uma nova vida a uma casa de xisto com 30 anos, transformando-a num refúgio auto suficiente. Construída de forma convencional e quase empírica, a estrutura original apresentava desafios espaciais, térmicos e estruturais, mas também um grande potencial. Através de um trabalho minucioso, este potencial foi despertado, criando um edifício único que se harmoniza com os seus habitantes e com o meio ambiente.
A construção original carecia de características essenciais como impermeabilização, isolamento térmico, ventilação e ligações entre espaços interiores e exteriores. Além disso, os pátios eram pouco utilizados devido à exposição solar direta. A área montanhosa circundante enfrenta desafios crescentes devido à seca, à escassez de água e aos incêndios devido às alterações climáticas.

O nosso objetivo era transformar esta casa num retiro sustentável que respeitasse a floresta envolvente, utilizando materiais de base biológica como madeira, cortiça, cal, aço, pedra, tintas não tóxicas e mobiliário de madeira personalizado. Esta abordagem não só relaciona o desenho às necessidades dos habitantes, como também melhora a qualidade de vida do edifício em geral. O novo desenho interliga espaços anteriormente isolados, combinando sistemas de baixa e alta tecnologia com princípios bio-climáticos passivos e ativos. Esta abordagem otimiza a luz e a ventilação naturais, ao mesmo tempo que equilibra a entrada do sol e a criação de sombra para maior conforto e uma integração simbiótica com o ambiente. Um sistema de aproveitamento de águas pluviais e painéis fotovoltaicos foram instalados juntamente com dispositivos térmicos de alta eficiência para uma eficiência global de água e energia.

Os nossos clientes, Kelli e Matt, pensadores progressistas, estão comprometidos com o ambiente e com o desenho de qualidade. Acreditam que um desenho bem pensado melhora a qualidade de vida e fortalece a ligação com a natureza. Juntos, transformámos a sua casa numa nova casa que demonstra o desenho através da madeira, cortiça, cal, pedra e aço, ao mesmo tempo que promovemos um desenho regenerativo para maior conforto espacial, eficiência energética e conservação de água, de modo holístico.

Este projeto foi também uma colaboração gratificante com profissionais excepcionais dedicados a desafiar as normas convencionais de construção e focando-se na inovação para obtenção de impacto.

Project Details

Type:	Housing
Location:	Arouca, Portugal
Client:	Private (Kelli Hogan & Matt Jones)
Engineering:	VN2R
Builder:	Jaime Azevedo Construções
Photos:	Jose F. Costa
Design:	08/2022 – 03/2023
Construction:	12/2023 – 09/2024
Area:	230 m2
Materials:	Stone, wood, steel, lime and earth plasters, handicrafted tile

Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca - Site Plan

Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca - Plan_P0

BEFORE / AFTER

Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Shaded terrace
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Natural light and open living
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Shaded balcony
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Shaded outdoor spaces
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Crafted kitchen with thermal comfort
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self Sufficient Living – After: Open living with warmth and comfort
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Integrated living and crafted materials
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Integrated living and crafted materials
Self Sufficient Living – Before
Self-Sufficient Living, Arouca – After: Crafted materials and light

Testemonial

“Alina and Paulo are incredible. They helped turn our dream sustainable build in Northern Portugal into a reality.
From rainwater collection and purification to sourcing beautiful local materials, CAS guided the whole process with care and attention.
They also navigated local authorities and the developer to ensure the project moved smoothly throughout.”

Kelli Hogan

“We started the project seeking a genuinely low-impact home connected to the landscape around Arouca.
CAS deeply understood the site, the climate and the way we wanted to live there. The process felt genuinely collaborative, balancing spatial transformation with careful attention to detail.
Being in the UK while building in Portugal, we relied on CAS enormously throughout the entire process.”

Matt Jones