Vila Bita

Vila Bita was built in the 1930s and forms a small architectural ensemble with distinct characteristics. The oldest building reflects references to Algarve architecture, while the intervened building relates more closely to the traditional architecture of the Alentejo.

Originally a six-bedroom family home, the property was transformed into an agrotourism project with two independent accommodation units, each with two bedrooms. The programme focuses on rural experiences linked to the surrounding landscape, local agricultural practices, native fauna and flora, with particular emphasis on aromatic and medicinal plants, dye plants and essential oil production.

The intervention preserved the architectural character while adapting the building to the functional requirements of the agrotourism programme. New elements were introduced with care, maintaining a balanced relationship with the existing structure and minimising changes to the façades, while requiring limited demolition, new partitions and the opening of additional façade openings.

Inside the units, in-built furniture was integrated into the masonry. Access to the two apartments is provided through masonry porches supported by arched structures, designed to adapt to the natural slope of the terrain and to strengthen the relationship between the buildings and the surrounding landscape.

Date2022-2023

Gross floor area180 m²

LocationAlmodôvar

ClientPrivate

ArchitectureBruno Pinto da Cruz

PhotographyJoão Mestre - Loja da Imagem Almodôvar (excluding photos of construction process)