The most significant intervention in this project was the structural reinforcement of the living room following the demolition of an original internal wall. A 7-metre beam with integrated supporting columns was constructed to carry the new loads, and the existing roof slab over the living room was demolished to expose a double-pitched ceiling, significantly changing the scale and character of the space. The beam itself became one of the defining architectural elements of the finished interior.

A large glazed façade with oversized sliding windows reinforces the connection between the living area and the garden and swimming pool beyond. The project also included extensive infrastructure replacement: new plumbing, electrical installation and bathrooms throughout, alongside an extension to the entrance area and alterations to the existing layout.

A central objective throughout the project was achieving maximum impact within a tightly defined budget. The isolated location added logistical complexity, particularly in sourcing local suppliers and specialised contractors, and the works had to contend with the Ribatejo’s demanding climate, ranging from sub-zero winters to summer temperatures of around 40°C. As the true condition of the house became clear during construction, guiding the clients through increasingly significant decisions became an important part of the process.

The end result is a rural home that retains the calm and connection to the landscape, while gaining the structural integrity, technical performance and spatial quality to be genuinely comfortable throughout the year.