We love our sea, our beaches, our fields, our land, our joy.
architects
"ÁGUA NOVA is a project that, through the identity of the traditional architecture, the materials, the atmospheres and the spirit of this place, reveals the authenticity of a very special southern Portuguese lifestyle.
A way of life that is offered and sustained by the architecture itself, in cosy spaces, shaded areas to lounge outdoors and enjoy the region’s exceptionally gentle and pleasant climate. In the privacy of each home, with each patio, each pergola offering views of distant horizons.
The project begins with construction of the built-up spaces, which are very low density, following the millenary tradition of building on hillsides in order to leave fertile valleys free for farming. These will be cultivated and planted with olive trees, orange trees and vineyards, in a sustainable manner integrated into the project as a whole.
Winding paths connect each villa. Charming nooks and little surprises along the way guide us to our destination, to cool spaces in the summer and warm fireplaces in the winter, with bright and well-proportioned interiors.
The choice of materials and textures, the scale of each volume, each window, each type of shingle, each detail, results from the interpretation and study of the traditional vernacular architecture adapted to the location, crafted by the hands of builders and artisans who will bring it character, uniqueness and authenticity."
landscape architect
"At Monte da ÁGUA NOVA, the landscape is designed through the senses. It’s as though everything that will emerge was already there.
Our gaze takes in the olive grove on the hillside dotted with white houses, and you can smell the scent of jasmine. We turn towards the vineyard made up of lush green strips that reach the vegetable garden with lively colours and aromas, offering baskets full of vegetables, herbs, fresh tea leaves.
And the breeze carries the sound of water that flows to large white tanks, which fill up to irrigate the summer fields.
This project was inspired by the values of this place and the Melides landscape. The simple and strong premises were transferred to the design of the gardens and agricultural areas which, altogether, help build the very special identity that is ÁGUA NOVA."
INTERIOR DESIGNER
In each villa, the interiors are sober yet cosy, and they reflect both the lifestyle and the materials used in the region, in a perfect symbiosis of tradition and modernity.
The soul of a Portuguese home is reflected in the purity of the architecture and interior details.
“An authentic and minimalistic project. Where detail lies in the simplicity of each piece; where spaces are transformed into atmospheres, and where tones, textures and matter are felt... A special place.”
