In the rural landscape outside Estremoz, Portugal, Vasco Burnay Arquitectura has completed the MONTE DO DIVOR project, a sensitive restoration and reorganization of a typical Alentejo house. This architecture project masterfully balances the preservation of the past with the functional needs of contemporary living, all within a compact total area of
The existing structure—a rectangular plan house with a gabled roof and two characteristic large chimneys—is a testament to the region’s history and building systems. The design strategy was deeply rooted in this pre-existing character, meticulously preserving the low, elongated volume and the vertical assertion of the chimneys. This commitment ensured the urbanistic reality of the structure remained practically unaltered, championing the longevity of traditional construction.
The significant renovation focused primarily on interior partitioning and a thoughtful adaptation of openings for ventilation and lighting. Taking cues from the original three spatial cores, delineated by imposing shared walls and variations in ceiling and floor materiality, the proposal cleverly reorganized the functions. The westward core now hosts the private areas, the eastward end is dedicated to the large social area, and the center accommodates the functional program.
A key aspect of the Vasco Burnay Arquitectura proposal was enhancing the interior-exterior permeability of the social zone. This was achieved by widening the largest existing opening and creating a new opening in the eastern gable, allowing a more fluid passage and deeper penetration of light into the expansive interior design. In a bold but integrated move, the two largest openings to the north represent the only assertive gesture of contemporaneity, integrated through careful consideration of placement, scale, and materiality.
The project extends its minimalist approach to the exterior, connecting the house to the landscape via two wings. These architectural arms reach out into the free outdoor space, linking the entrance/parking area and the leisure area, complete with a swimming pool, all connected by a compacted earth path. This landscape design integration roots the dwelling firmly in its rural setting.
The finished MONTE DO DIVOR is a triumph of sensitive integration. The project made every effort to preserve the original object, refusing to compromise it with invasive technological infrastructures or contaminating materials of a newer generation. With Interior Design by Claudia Monchique and captured by Architectural Photographer Ivo Tavares Studio , the house stands as a beautiful example of how respect for heritage and thoughtful, contemporary intervention can coalesce to create an authentic and enduring piece of Portuguese architecture.