The Picoutos Ecological Park in São Mamede de Infesta plays a crucial role in preserving local natural heritage. Our proposal aims to conserve the ecological balance by addressing environmental concerns such as urban heat and wind corridors with the introduction of vegetation and water retention basins to regulate temperature and drainage.

The design seamlessly integrates low-maintenance green native species, blending the buildings into the landscape and harmonizing the rural-urban transitional space. The buildings, crafted with light pink concrete and tiles, utilize prefabricated modular elements to enhance durability and minimize maintenance. This approach emphasizes prevention, reuse, and cost efficiency.

Understanding the significance of nature and context when intervening in the territory, the proposal addresses the housing crisis in Portugal by designing 211 apartments instead of the requested 204. This optimization uses the same volume and gross building area without changing any urban parameters, achieved by rethinking typologies and reducing wasted space in each apartment, thereby increasing the constructive potential of the plots.

This project underscores the need of rethinking both the program and the problem, translating a design that is both people-centric and environmentally sensitive. The Picoutos Park project highlights the importance of creating living spaces that meet contemporary housing needs while ensuring a positive environmental impact. More than that, this project represents the will to achieve more than what’s needed, going beyond the basic requirements to provide greater value and benefits.