In a momentous occasion, Nuno Mamede Santos and Ana Santos of Terracrua Design personally handed over the final deliverables for the Vale da Cerva project, located in the picturesque Portimão/Serra de Monchique area.
Portimão/Serra de Monchique Area – November 2021
Situated in the enchanting southern county of Monchique, Algarve, Vale da Cerva spans 36 hectares and harbors a promising vision. Our mission: to create a regenerative haven, offering not only comfortable living spaces but also a source of income for a multi-generational community of approximately 10 individuals. As passionate stewards of this project, we recognize that effective planning, ambicious promoters, and expert guidance, are indispensable.
Delivering the Essentials
The team at Terracrua Design is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Vale da Cerva project, and we are excited to share a glimpse of the final documents with you. These files contain invaluable information and resources to guide the client in the implementation of the regenerative masterplan.
Geopackage Project File: The geopackage is a set of GIS data files that our team utilized to analyze and design the land. This file can be opened in software such as QGIS, QField, or ArcGIS. It contains valuable information about topography, water resources, and vegetation cover, enabling the client to manage and analyze the natural resources of the land and the multi-layered design itself.
PDF Layout: We have prepared detailed A1-sized PDF drawings that visually represent the design elements and proposed zones for the property. These drawings offer a clear vision of the regenerative design and serve as a reference during the implementation phase.
Cost Estimate: The estimate provides a comprehensive analysis of project costs, including materials, labor, and equipment. It will assist the client in effectively planning the implementation budget and allocating resources as needed.
Timeline: The timeline outlines the project’s work plan and temporal milestones. It will serve as a guide to track progress and ensure that the implementation proceeds as planned. It provides a clear schedule for each phase of the project, allowing the client to plan and coordinate activities efficiently.
Water Management: Terracrua Design’s comprehensive water management plan is a cornerstone of the project. To achieve the harvest of 6 million liters per year, we meticulously assess and optimize water resources. Our team calculates the water budget, ensuring efficient allocation for both residential and irrigation needs. By identifying prime locations for additional dams and swells, we enhance water retention, reducing the risk of scarcity during dry periods. Moreover, surface runoff models and careful earthwork planning help manage water resources effectively.
Fire Management: The safety of the community is a top priority. Terracrua Design’s fire management strategy creates a green buffer around residential areas, incorporating landscaping techniques and plant selection to reduce fire risks. A strategically designed fire pond serves as a reliable source for fire protection. Carefully positioned firebreaks are sized optimally to halt the spread of wildfires, enhancing community safety.
Land Management: Our approach to land management addresses the need for self-sufficiency in food production and income diversification. To achieve these goals, we carefully plan and prioritize land zoning, taking into account factors such as food forests, orchards, and grazing areas. This optimization ensures the maximum benefit with minimal effort. By selecting the most suitable produce, we maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing resource consumption. Strategic choices in the placement of windbreaks and fire protection measures enhance the land’s resilience. The creation of green buffers contributes to a healthier ecosystem. We promote best practices for soil improvement and erosion control to maintain the integrity of the landscape, safeguarding against soil degradation along roads and lake shores.
For more information about Terracrua Design and our regenerative land management solutions, please visit our services page.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Vale da Cerva family and community, and to you, for joining us on this journey through the Vale da Cerva Project.
