Copenhagen-based maritime architecture studio MAST has unveiled its plans to construct a unique hotel in a Portuguese lagoon that was once utilized for salt production. Situated near Setúbal on the Sado Estuary, the neglected salina will be transformed into an environmentally conscious tourist destination, drawing inspiration from the traditional fisherman’s huts and jetties commonly found in the southern regions of Portugal.
Commencing construction in the near future, the project aims to open its first set of houses to guests by late 2025. Additionally, a significant portion of the 50-hectare site will be converted into a nature reserve. Marshall Blecher, co-founder and architect at MAST, expressed the project’s objective of promoting sustainable tourism, emphasizing the importance of minimizing the impact on the distinctive landscape.
The masterplan proposed by MAST includes the construction of over 50 stilted houses on the water, which will be prefabricated off-site using Portuguese cross-laminated timber (CLT) to reduce environmental disruption. The lagoon is home to halophytic plants, such as saltbush, and an abundance of brine shrimp, attracting various bird species like flamingos and oystercatchers. The architect highlighted the exceptional natural beauty of the landscape and the opportunity to create a new form of accommodation that harmonizes with the site.
Accessible through a network of elevated bridges connected to local nature trails, or by boat or kayak, these houses will provide a unique experience for visitors. Other features of the development include the renovation of an old building for a restaurant and spa, as well as the construction of a birdwatching tower offering panoramic views of the wetlands and seafront.
The anonymous real-estate developer also intends to reintroduce small-scale salt production to the site. A collection of fresh structures inspired by conventional salt storage warehouses will offer amenities for manufacturing “limited quantities of handcrafted salt” through the method of channeling and evaporating saltwater.