At Terracrua Design, we recently concluded an extraordinary project: the regenerative masterplan for Monte da Carochinha in Alentejo, Portugal.
Delivered in July 2024, this project marks a significant milestone as we prepare to commence the implementation phase this November. Over the course of several months, we worked closely with Maja Stachowska, the property owner, to bring a transformative vision to life across this diverse landscape of 36.5 hectares. Here’s an inside look at the journey from conceptualization to the delivery of a comprehensive, ecology-driven plan.
Project Vision: Integrating Community and Nature
From the outset, the Carochinha project stood out with its ambitious vision: creating a balanced, self-sustained eco-community with space for organic agriculture, a Waldorf-inspired community center, a private residence, and a secluded retreat fully immersed in nature. This blueprint was underpinned by key goals—enhancing ecosystem resilience, fostering social and economic networks, and promoting both environmental and human well-being.
Monte da Carochinha also carried a unique history and inherent challenges, from soil degradation due to eucalyptus to a need for improved access and water infrastructure. We approached the project with a structured three-phase development, each designed to harmonize the landscape’s natural assets with Maja’s vision.
Phase 1: Site Analysis and Observation
The initial phase focused on thoroughly understanding the landscape. Through a comprehensive site survey, our team collected data on the terrain, existing resources, and areas needing restoration. This phase laid the foundation by identifying zones for water retention, planting, and soil regeneration, as well as any constraints impacting the design. Through this deep observational process, we mapped essential resources and deduced the most effective zones for each aspect of the project, from food gardens to community spaces.
Phase 2: Design Development
With the initial analysis in hand, we moved into the design phase, weaving together existing site elements with Maja’s objectives. Keyline design principles guided the formation of a regenerative water matrix—creating ponds, dams, and canals—to capture and sustain water throughout the property. Alongside the water matrix, access roads and green corridors were thoughtfully designed to support both ecological functions and the community’s needs.
The resulting landscape design achieved a synergistic balance between productive zones, natural forests, and communal areas. Our planning also emphasized habitat diversity through ridge forests and riparian galleries, ensuring the landscape fosters biodiversity.
Phase 3: Detailed Design, Costs, and Timeline
The final phase of Monte da Carochinha’s masterplan refined the design, focusing on specific plant species, construction materials, and timelines for implementation. We provided Maja with comprehensive PDF layouts, cost estimates, and a detailed schedule, outlining each stage of the plan’s roll-out. These documents, available in her dedicated Terracrua Design folder, include the following resources:
- Geopackage Project File: A rich SIG dataset for ongoing resource management, compatible with QGIS and ArcGIS for an interactive view of the design.
- PDF Layouts: Large-scale, A1-sized designs illustrating the regenerative framework to guide implementation.
- Cost Estimate: A breakdown of costs for materials, labor, and equipment to aid budgeting.
- Timeline: An actionable calendar covering each phase, offering an organized approach for coordinating activities.
Moving Forward
Monte da Carochinha exemplifies the power of regenerative design to foster thriving, community-oriented landscapes. The masterplan provides all the tools and guidance needed for Maja and her team to transform the land, ensuring that it continues to flourish ecologically, socially, and economically. Now, with the groundwork laid, we’re excited to transition into the implementation phase starting in November 2024, where the framework will come to life across the property.
For us at Terracrua Design, it’s a testament to our dedication to crafting spaces that harmonize with the environment while supporting the visions of those we work with. We look forward to watching this landscape evolve and stand as a model for sustainable land use in Alentejo and beyond.
For any additional insights or project inquiries, feel free to reach out. We remain dedicated to supporting every step of this remarkable journey toward sustainability and regeneration.
This project team:
Project Director: Nuno M. Santos
Designer: Ana Santos
Estimations and timeline: Nuno M. Santos
