Header: Catarina Diniz
S+A Architects (Saraiva + Associados), a Portuguese design studio that has expanded to nine countries, relentlessly pursues quality and the next sustainable building method in its urban and hospitality designs. As part of this quest, the studio has recently completed the first phase of the Verdelago Resort, a collection of condos, villas, and townhouses that symbolizes a significant milestone in Portugal’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Eco-luxury
Located in the sunny Algarve and very close to the border with neighboring Spain, this resort marks a first for Portuguese sustainable tourism as it is set to receive the Green Globes Certification. This is one of the most demanding international certifications for sustainable tourism, with an affiliation with the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Green Globes Standard and recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The initial phase of this resort’s construction involves total integration of the luxurious condos and townhouses into the fragile natural landscape of the Algarve, a region that has suffered countless losses of natural habitats due to tourism. After this first phase, several moments will follow as Marriott International creates the soul of the hotels through interior design and luxury amenities.
The vernacular house form
For this development to work out both aesthetically and sustainability-wise, the structure needed to grow from the land itself. To achieve this, S+A designed a series of playful vernacular intersected house forms with peaked rooflines inspired by the simple constructions typical of seaside villages from all over the world.
Each residence was designed to connect the guests with the land and beach, capitalizing on the beauty of the landscape to tone down on any unnecessary architectural elements—luxury is always present in the Algarve. On the same note, the rooftop patio offers stunning 360-degree views of the rugged landscape, with sunlight filtered through repeating trusses in the roof. These same sleek patterns are used as screens that provide shade throughout the day, a detail made even more functional when one remembers that the Algarve is known for its strong sun rays and high temperatures. Meandering walkways and lookout towers connect the residences, making it easy for guests to explore the area and reach the beach.
The Portuguese taipa
The Verdelago Resort was designed with a great emphasis on sustainable construction practices, as both the designers and clients prioritize environmental, social, cultural, and economic stewardship from the ground up. The Portuguese taipa, reminiscent of ancient rammed earth construction, is a traditional building technique that involves compacting layers of natural materials like earth, clay, or gravel between wooden forms. Historically common in the south of Portugal, this method creates thick, solid walls with excellent thermal insulation. In modern construction, rammed earth is seeing a resurgence due to its eco-friendly qualities, low carbon footprint, and ability to regulate indoor temperatures.
The future of sustainable luxury hospitality
With a strong commitment to renewable energy, the resort is designed to be self-sufficient, equipped with a photovoltaic plant that generates more energy than it consumes. In addition, the Verdelago Resort implements a comprehensive water management system that includes native landscaping to reduce irrigation needs, rainwater recovery, and wastewater recycling. Combined with energy-efficient design and high-quality materials, these measures ensure a low ecological footprint while fostering a conscious and responsible lifestyle.
