03














AN ARTIST’S
RESIDENCY
IN
THE ALGARVE























(RURAL LIVING)
   Witnessing life happen around you whilst remaining an observer and not a participant in is one of the most prized aspects of city living; but can this same feeling be achieved in a rural setting? Can the scale be adapted and functionality maintained?




(LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS)


   There is an abundance of local materials which will make for interesting material explorations. Only 7km from the site is a quarry producing Monchique granite, a natural stone known for it’s strength and durability. Cork production is also prominent within the region, as are the large areas of clay rich soils. 








(NATURALLY SHELTERED)


    With an abundance of vegetation alongside the topography of the nearby hills, the proposed site is perfectly sheltered (and you could say shielded) from any roadside noise intrusion. It’s sweeping roads also carry low levels of traffic, meaning a sense of peace can be achieved by implementing a considered palette of materials and sound proofing techniques.










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    We were approached by a client looking for buildable land, with a goal to develop a residency for global artists to enjoy a relationship with the Algarve; and vice versa. We headed to Portugal to scope out the potential plots and develop a feasibility study for their business case which will be included in their pitch for investment.

   Our observations of the area led us to embrace co-living principles, inspired by the nearby villages and communities. Additionally, the potential for low embodied and operational carbon guided our thinking. We concluded that the land offered greater possibilities with a development of 5+ units rather than a single unit, enhancing not only the economic viability but also the cultural impact of the residency and the community it would nurture. This approach aims to generate—and ideally regenerate—value within the local ecosystem.
    Understanding the needs, processes, and rhythms of the artists who would inhabit this space has been central to our discussions. The creative process is famously non-linear, sometimes sporadic, deeply immersive, and both solitary and social.

    Artists often value the ability to step away from their work to think around the edges of their projects, while also requiring the freedom to work at any hour without disrupting — or being disrupted by — others. The architecture of this residency must adapt and flow with these ever-shifting needs, providing an environment that supports the ebb and flow of creativity.












(PW—AR.02)
CO-LIVING, CO-CREATING

A SMALL, PURPOSE BUILT DEVELOPMENT SET AMONGST THE EUCALYPTUS FORESTS OF SERRA DE MONCHIQUE.













    We explored several plots and recommended a site nestled in the hills of Serra de Monchique. This expansive location features an existing ruin and a well-established eucalyptus and cork oak forest, with stepped terrain to the east and south. The changes in levels provide privacy for any future development, while the ruin, positioned alongside the road on a sweeping bend, offers excellent visibility—making it ideal for public-facing commercial opportunities.    The principals of co-living prioritise personal space and privacy, as well as opportunities for social interactions and efficiency of services. The goal for the development is to optimise the operational costs of the building in order to prioritise investment in the artists themselves.










If you have an architectural project in mind and would like to discuss what’s possible, get in touch.