The developers required a comprehensive 15 hectare masterplan for a new ocean-facing mixed-use tourism development in Lourinha, 45 mins north of Lisbon, that would cater to a diverse global community of expatriates seeking to move to Portugal under the Golden Visa scheme.

Conceived and executed under the auspices of Tourism Portugal’s prescriptions for Tourism Development, and within a rigorous framework of environmental legislation, particularly concerning the setback from the Atlantic ocean and natural watercourses, the development was to nestle in amongst existing farmlands and the villages of Motoito to the North, and Atalaia to the South and provide a wide range of housing options; from small apartments, to modest single family homes, to larger luxury homes.

The preservation of views towards the sea was of the primary concern to the client, as well as the curation of a vibrant, walkable community of expatriates who would appreciate resort-style living and working in a semi-rural context, integrating with the neighbouring the farms and adjacent traditional Portuguese villages, both socially, and also in terms of Portugal’s “white buildings-blue sky” aesthetic.

Whilst the development is not a “gated community” – far from it, the 120 residential units were to form part of a resort rental pool which suits most owners as they can derive supplemental income from their homes while they are not in use. This also ensures a more vibrant day-to-day life of Peralta Beach.

The design response stressed the location and activation of the social spaces that Tourism Portugal’s development directives require, underpinned by a public-open-space-network approach to linking all the aspects of the development in a pedestrian-friendly, pro-social way.

Our scope included the design of new street layouts, public park and beach walk; key multi-residential projects such as the Duo Apartments, The Peralta Plaza Residences, the Horizon Residences, and naturally, the Peralta Beach Clubhouse, a key social space, as well the as paddle courts and café under construction. A further country club-style building and residences is planned.

As Covid-19 reshaped our world, we looked to encourage greater self-sufficiency, stronger social bonds, and a closer relationship to the land and what it can produce in terms of food, community and healthy living.

All these ideals find a high degree of congruence with climate change mitigation strategies – the most important aspects of which are social and spatial, as much as material.