Serra de Monchique

Serra de Monchique

INTRODUCTION

Why does art matter? What is it’s role and value? Some argue art matters more now than it ever has. Some would say art is equally as important now than a thousand years ago. Serra de Monchique looks to give these questions a home, as well as the artists who seek to answer them. A small multi-unit scheme of residencies in the hills of the Algarve.

Year

2025

Location

Algarve, Portugal

Scope of work

/

Architecture

/

Strategy & consultation

Client

Private

INTRODUCTION

Why does art matter? What is it’s role and value? Some argue art matters more now than it ever has. Some would say art is equally as important now than a thousand years ago. Serra de Monchique looks to give these questions a home, as well as the artists who seek to answer them. A small multi-unit scheme of residencies in the hills of the Algarve.

Year

2025

Location

Algarve, Portugal

Scope of work

/

Architecture

/

Strategy & consultation

Client

Private

Stylised architectural floor plan of a two storey artist residency shown in black lines against a cream background
A hamlet of purpose-built artist studios and residencies set within grounds including gardens and ponds

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

We have been grateful to conduct research within a network of talented artists from across the globe who’ve shared their insights and perspectives on the spatial and environmental nuances of how they live and work.

Our role has been to review and correlate this research into spatial programmes for small residencies where artists work and live for a few weeks or months at a time. Understanding what’s of importance to different practices; from sculptors and paintors to weavers and writers.

A hamlet of purpose-built artist studios and residencies, one studio central to image with sliding door open to show studio with pendant lighting with pond in front
Stylised architectural floor plan of a two storey artist residency shown in black lines against a cream background
Physical model showing site contours and massing study in clay blocks
A hamlet of purpose-built artist studios and residencies, one studio central to image with sliding door open to show studio with pendant lighting with pond in front

MATERIAL THOUGHTS

MATERIAL THOUGHTS

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.

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.

It is often tempting to import materials, products and even tradespeople, however the nature of this use-case is an opportunity to learn lessons from tradition and the local context. To prove what can be utilised within a limited radius of the site and offering an architectural answer to the question of why art matters.

Black and white image of local granite quarry
black and white image of eucalytus tree

MODEL FOR DEVELOPMENT

MODEL FOR DEVELOPMENT

We reviewed the site at the pre-acquisition stage, supporting with feasibility consultation and leaning into commercial and operational strategy.

We reviewed the site at the pre-acquisition stage, supporting with feasibility consultation and leaning into commercial and operational strategy.

Considerations for co-living elements are at play and we’re looking forward to developing the scheme further over the coming months. We are continuing our research with artists from across the globe throughout this project, and if you’d like to contribute please get in touch via email. We’ll look forward to hearing from you.

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Tell me a little about the project below and pick a time that suits. I'll read what you've sent before we speak, so we can start with your place rather than introductions. If Programm Works isn't the right fit, I'll say so, and point you somewhere that is.

early is good

The best time to talk is before anything's been drawn. If you're still a year out, get in touch anyway. Some of the most useful conversations happen when there's nothing on paper yet.

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Building something new?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Let's talk about what you're building.

Twenty-five minutes. Bring the idea, the site, or simply the feeling you're after.
Nothing to prepare.

What happens next

Tell me a little about the project below and pick a time that suits. I'll read what you've sent before we speak, so we can start with your place rather than introductions. If Programm Works isn't the right fit, I'll say so, and point you somewhere that is.

early is good

The best time to talk is before anything's been drawn. If you're still a year out, get in touch anyway. Some of the most useful conversations happen when there's nothing on paper yet.

Dark gradiend background

Building something new?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Let's talk about what you're building.

Twenty-five minutes. Bring the idea, the site, or simply the feeling you're after.
Nothing to prepare.

What happens next

Tell me a little about the project below and pick a time that suits. I'll read what you've sent before we speak, so we can start with your place rather than introductions. If Programm Works isn't the right fit, I'll say so, and point you somewhere that is.

early is good

The best time to talk is before anything's been drawn. If you're still a year out, get in touch anyway. Some of the most useful conversations happen when there's nothing on paper yet.

Dark gradiend background