Designing Monte da Carochinha: A Landscape for Community, Biodiversity, and Renewal

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...

Histórias à Sombra do Montado: Uma Iniciativa de Preservação e Educação

Na Terracrua Design, tivemos o privilégio de apoiar o projeto “Histórias à Sombra do Montado” através da participação do Nuno Mamede Santos, que partilhou com uma das autoras, práticas e visões sobre o passado e o futuro do território. Esta iniciativa utiliza a banda desenhada para sensibilizar as pessoas sobre...

Delivery of the Fazenda Sofia Project, Gabela, Angola

Terracrua Design is proud to announce the completion and delivery of the Fazenda Sofia project in Gabela, Angola. The project represents one of the most important steps toward the creation of a sustainable and regenerative future for this farm, situated on more than 800 hectares with 500 hectares of coffee...

Vale Romeiras: Completing a Vision of Regenerative Design in Mosqueirões

At Terracrua Design, we’re proud to announce the completion and delivery of the Vale Romeiras masterplan, a regenerative landscape design project for Natalia and Dmitrii’s 8.5-hectare property in Mosqueirões, Grândola. This project marks a significant milestone in transforming Vale Romeiras into a sustainable, vibrant farm that harmonizes community, ecological restoration,...

Dia aberto #2 – Luanda, Outubro 2024!

Não perca o Dia Aberto Terracrua Design em Luanda, no dia 3 de Outubro de 2024. Este evento exclusivo oferece consultoria personalizada em gestão e planeamento ecológico das paisagens, focando-se em soluções sustentáveis para enfrentar desafios como seca, ventos fortes e reflorestação.  Garanta já a sua participação e transforme a...

Celebrating the Completion of a 1.5-Hectare Family Farm Design Project in Bensafrim, Portugal

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of a remarkable 1.5-hectare family farm project in Bensafrim, Portugal. This project exemplifies our dedication to regenerative design, seamlessly integrating ecological principles with modern farming techniques to establish a balanced and productive environment. From Concept to Creation The vision for this 1.5-hectare...

Transforme a sua Propriedade: Dia Aberto Terracrua Design em Luanda!

Transforme a sua Propriedade: Dia Aberto Terracrua Design em Luanda! (English version below) É com grande entusiasmo que anunciamos o Dia Aberto Terracrua Design em Luanda, marcado para os dias 15 e 16 de julho de 2024. Este evento exclusivo representa uma oportunidade única para todos aqueles que desejam tornar...

Spring 2024 – Months of Projects and Discoveries

Exploring the Last Three Months with Terracrua Design: A Journey of Projects and Discoveries Over the past three months, the Terracrua Design team has been on an intense and inspiring journey, from our recent trip to Angola to the remotest parts of Portugal. During this time, we've completed several ambitious...

Delivery of the Herdade da Lavareja Design Project

We are excited to announce the successful completion and delivery of the Herdade da Lavareja design project, spanning an expansive 80 hectares near Troviscais, Odemira. This project marks a significant milestone for Terracrua Design, showcasing our dedication to pioneering regenerative design principles in agriculture and land management. Bringing the Vision...

Delivery of the KPA farm project, Oklahoma

The Completion and Delivery of the KPA Farm Project The transformative journey that began in the heartland of the United States has now reached a significant milestone. The KPA Farm project, located on a 400-hectare ranch in Frederick, Oklahoma, has been successfully concluded and delivered by the dedicated team at...

Visit to Angola – Winter 2024

The Terracrua Design team recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Angola, exploring vast lands and collaborating on ambitious projects. The team's itinerary was meticulously planned, with strategic stops at different farms and explorations, each representing a unique opportunity to assess the feasibility of our structural frameworks; covering over 4,000...

Serro de Apra Project Completion in Loulé

We are very excited to present the latest advancements and insights into the successful delivery of the APRA project in Loulé. At Terracrua Design, our dedication to regenerative living, ecological restoration, and the implementation of regenerative practices has manifested profoundly in this ambitious venture. The Vision: Holistic Land Intervention for...

Memorable Moments: Terracrua Design’s Journey Through 2023

In a successful year, our strategic initiatives revealed the extent of our capabilities, ambition, and a clear direction. We aim to keep our readers informed about our activities, so here's a brief overview of our achievements in 2023! First and foremost, we express our gratitude on behalf of our entire...

Exploring Oklahoma’s Heartland: A Journey with Terracrua Design

Embarking on a transformative journey to Oklahoma, Nuno Santos and André Carvalho from Terracrua Design found themselves captivated by the vastness of the United States' heartland. Amidst the vast landscapes of Oklahoma, the warmth of Southern hospitality enveloped the Terracrua Design team. From Frederick to Fargo, the genuine friendliness of...

Quinta da Pesqueira Project in Tomar: A Journey Towards Agro-Regenerative Excellence

In a momentous occasion, the dedicated team at Terracrua Design, represented by Nuno Mamede Santos and Miguel Clemente, had the honor of personally delivering the Quinta da Pesqueira project in Tomar. This project embodies a comprehensive plan for intervention, with a central focus on strategies for resilience, ecological integration, and...

Terracrua Design Successfully Delivers the Vale da Cerva Project

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...

Delivery of the Vale das Casas Novas project, Lavre

During our visit to Vale das Casas Novas today, led by Nuno Mamede Santos and Miguel Madeira, our team had the privilege of formally delivering the project and efficiently coordinating its initial implementation. We were warmly welcomed by the dedicated team at Vale das Casas Novas, including Lieke and their...

Technical visit near Azinheira dos Barros, Grândola

Today's technical visit by Terracrua Design to a 42-hectare property near Azinheira dos Barros was fueled by a client's dream to build a wellness center rooted in the vision of regenerative agriculture. The land, once a bustling cattle and sheep farm, holds a mix of agricultural and forestry areas. The...

Unveiling the Essence of the “Mãe Terra” Mainframe Design

Hello, dear readers and fellow design enthusiasts. Today, we're taking you on a special journey with us through the fascinating Mãe Terra property in Santiago do Cacém, Portugal. Following a technical visit in May 2023, the promoters of Mãe Terra made a resolute decision to entrust us with the task...

Romãzeiras para venda – Pomegranates for sale

Preparámos algo especial para todos os amantes de romãs! Temos o prazer de anunciar uma venda direta de romãzeiras diretamente da quinta. Esta é uma oportunidade única que não pode perder! Estas romãzeiras estão prestes a ser retiradas da propriedade devido ao abandono do inquilino anterior e a preocupações com...

A Regenerative Design process: A Visit to the Lavre Project

Today, we had the opportunity to visit an exciting new project in the Lavre area, focusing on regenerative design. The property was recently acquired by promoters who are keen on creating a tourist destination inspired by the digital nomad movement. We had been in contact with the property before through...

Delivery of the Fontoura project, Cercal do Alentejo

We at Terracrua Design are excited to announce the successful completion of a regenerative framework for a 20-hectare property near Cercal. Our holistic design process includes: #Water in the landscape: Terracrua Design’s water management strategy follows the principles of “slow, spread, and sink” (S.S.S.), which are designed to promote the...

Delivery of the Monte Novo do Ameixial project, Garvão

Our team recently completed the design and delivery of a magnificent mainframe farm spanning over 400 hectares near Panoias. This project showcases our commitment to creating harmonious ecosystems that integrate water systems, access networks, permanent vegetation cover, zoning, and infrastructure. Watersheds or rainwater catchment map Aerial photo Thorough Site Analysis:...

From Vision to Reality: Herdade da Raposa moves on to implementation phase

Exciting progress is underway at Herdade da Raposa as Terracrua Design brings their regenerative masterplan to life. After an extensive design process, the project is transitioning from the planning phase to implementation. Join us as we explore the recent on-site meeting between Nuno Mamede Santos, the property owners, and the...

Unveiling “Histórias à Sombra do Montado”

We are excited to share an incredible collaboration we were a part of—a short documentary by Amorim Cork that beautifully showcases the work of Hugo Tornelo and Rita Gonzalez and their comic book, "Histórias à Sombra do Montado." Join us on this heartfelt journey that began four years ago, as...

Unlocking the Potential of a Magnificent Landscape in Brotas, Mora

Today, we invite you to join Miguel Clemente, one of our visionary designers, along with Nuno Mamede Santos, as they embark on an extraordinary journey through a breathtaking 54-hectare property in the enchanting region of Brotas, Mora, Portugal. This awe-inspiring project aims to harmoniously integrate a private household, a captivating...

Delivery of the Herdade da Canada project, Aljezur

Imagine a breathtaking 7-hectare plot of land nestled in the idyllic Aljezur region of Portugal. It was a challenging project, but one that our team at Terracrua Design approached with excitement and determination. Our goal? To create a regenerative design that harmoniously integrates small-scale agriculture with the surrounding environment, promoting...

Onsite meeting near Abela, Santiago do Cacém

Today i had the opportunity to visit a fascinating property near Abela, where a group of promoters plan to develop a retreat center, based in a regenerative approach to restore the natural cycles of water, carbon, and soil life. For us as developers, the goal is always to create a...

Regenerative Design: The Future of Cucumbi

Today, we are excited to share with you our recent visit to Cucumbi - one of our all-time favorite projects. During a personal meeting with the clients and their family members online, we had a fruitful brainstorming session about the future of this amazing farm and rural hotel. Our main...

Delivery of the Arrabacinha project, Colos

We're excited to announce the completion of one of our most challenging projects to date: the Arrabacinha design project in Colos, Portugal. This 198-hectare property posed several design challenges, but we're proud to have delivered a comprehensive mainframe design that integrates water, access, permanent vegetation, zoning, and infrastructure, all in...

The Terracrua Design Approach to Regenerative, Integrated Design

At Terracrua Design, we believe that every project is a journey towards achieving harmony between nature and people. Our ultimate goal is to create designs that seamlessly blend with the natural environment while also meeting the unique needs of our clients. Our design process is characterized by careful consideration and...

What are we doing? Winter 2022/23

During the winter months, it's common to feel a sense of seclusion, stoppage, and slowness. These breaks are often necessary to rethink, structure, and rest. However, the Terracrua Design team did not take a vacation and remained warm and dynamic as ever. We started the cold season with a trip...

Delivery of the Raposa project, Colos

Welcome to Herdade da Raposa, an 83 hectare property located in the breathtaking surroundings of Colos, Odemira. The beauty of this land is unparalleled, with panoramic views of a large lake and a diverse range of microclimates that add to its charm. At Terracrua Design, we are proud to have...

A Promising Visit to a Farm-to-Table B&B Project

At Terracrua Design, we are thrilled to share with you the latest update on one of our exciting projects. Today, Nuno, our lead designer, conducted a technical visit to a stunning plot of land near Loulé, where he met with the visionary owners, Viviene and Jason. During the visit, Nuno...

Delivery of the Colossus project, Colos

It is with great pleasure that we make the final delivery of the Colossus forest park, a very interesting iniciative that aims to afforest almost 100Ha with native and pioneer species. It will be, more than 60.000 trees and bushes planted here, in the next 10 years! This forest park...

Terracrua Design’s Second Visit to Herdade da Raposa

On a beautifully sunny winter day, Nuno and Miguel from Terracrua Design embarked on their second visit to the stunning Herdade da Raposa property. As part of our ongoing Regenerative Plan for this project, we carefully assessed the feasibility of our proposed matrix of roads, water elements such as ponds...

First drafts for the Quinta da Pesqueira project, Tomar

Exciting updates from Terracrua Design's regenerative plan for Quinta da Pesqueira, now on its third week! This sketch showcases our initial ideas on how to set apart our approach by integrating access points and water management systems into the landscape, highlighting our commitment to structural regeneration. Terracrua Design uses the...

Listagem de plantas para a primavera 2023

[EN] Our spring 2023 bare roots Plant list is on! After Mid February, these plants are going to be potted, and only sold after September! Send us a email or a message to orders yours! info@terracruadesign.pt - (whatsapp) +351 910748670 - Plantamisto [PT] A nossa lista de plantas em raiz...

What are we doing? Autumn 2023

With designs in progress, ongoing implementations, and technical visits in between, it's true that social media and blogs can sometimes take a back seat at Terracrua Design. At Terracrua Design, we approach each day the same way we approach landscapes: by understanding what needs to happen first, so that everything...

Technical visit near Melides

Today's technical visit to a property in the Melides area was truly inspiring! It's amazing how seemingly "difficult" landscapes can inspire practical, functional, and challenging solutions. This particular property aims to become an agroecological farm, offering rural farm-to-table tourism and nature-based tourism experiences. With diverse zones of biodiverse forest, sustainable...

Interview in the Ruminantes Magazine nº47

We have been avidly following Ruminantes magazine, a publication dedicated to all aspects of livestock management in Portugal, and the most comprehensive in the sector. We're especially thrilled since it started focusing more on Regenerative Agriculture. We're delighted to share the recent interview with Nuno Mamede Santos, featured in the...

Delivery of the Fazenda Girassol project, Angola

Months of hard work and satisfaction have gone into developing the regenerative structural plan for this charming 10,000-hectare farm in the Zaire province of Angola. The plan aims to create a harmonious balance between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. As a challenging commitment under our partnership with African...

Implementations at Cucumbi, Santa Susana

At Terracrua, we know that great design is only part of the story. That's why we're equally committed to the implementation phase of our projects, working tirelessly to turn our vision into reality. Our team is currently hard at work on the Cucumbi Farm project, bringing our designs to life...

We are hiring!

Are you a QGIS expert looking to join the Terracrua Design team? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join us for a 6-month program where you will work on engaging projects that align with our principles and vision. And, if we're the perfect match, there's a possibility of continuing...

Vale do Junco, a Terracrua Design project, in Terra Sã, tv show

Welcome to the second episode of Terra Sã! Today, we're thrilled to showcase our latest project - Terracrua Design in the stunning Vale do Junco, Alentejo. Here at Terracrua, we take pride in transforming landscapes through our innovative design principles and vision. We believe in creating regenerative environments that not...

Visit to Angola, a summary

As part of two exciting new projects in Angola, Nuno & Lotte at Terracrua Design embarked on a three-week journey to explore the properties and surrounding areas, delve into the agricultural history and envision a regenerative future with each property owner and/or stakeholder. One of our stops was at Fazenda...

Delivery of the Monte do Seixo project, Castro Verde

We are thrilled to share with you the final version of the Monte do Seixo project! This 450-hectare estate, located near Castro Verde, is dedicated to the breeding of sheep, goats, and cows, and hopefully will incorporate our P.E.A.R. mainframe structure to ensure that the livestock farming continues to thrive...

After the rain in Cancelas, Odemira

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for - the Cancelas Project in Odemira, after the first rains! We're thrilled to share with you some stunning before and after photos of the area, now fully transformed with water. With the help of our expert team at Terracrua Design, we...

Planting ponds margins in Cucumbi, Santa Susana

At Terracrua Design, dedication is not just a word - it's a way of life. Our colleague André Carvalho is a prime example of this, as he recently braved the rainy weather to plant beautiful water lilies and other aquatic plants in the ponds at Cucumbi. By restoring nature's balance,...

Implementation updates in Vinagra Village, Viana do Alentejo

After implementing the keyline design approach and constructing these ponds, we're thrilled to see the amazing results with the first serious rainfall. Even in an atypical winter, it's truly marvelous to witness the ponds filling up and thriving. This is a testament to the effectiveness and ingenuity of keyline design...

Updates at Caracol, Garvão

The Terracrua team is proud to share the successful outcome of our 2020 project with the Mansour family. Our focus on earthworks for water retention led to an almost complete transformation of the site, resulting in the reduction of erosion. It was a rewarding experience to work on this project,...

Implementation updates 02/22 in Monte Flora, Garvão

Monte Flora, a charming rural tourism accommodation nestled in the heart of Garvão, is currently undergoing exciting developments! We've already completed the initial phases, including access improvements, water management, and essential infrastructure upgrades. Now, we're moving onto the next phase of the project. Our team of experts is working hard...

Keyline plowing with the Pastagens Regenerativas project

Terracrua Design is proud to announce the successful implementation of the keyline technique in the first pilot of our erosion control project. This exciting project has been preceded by several capacity-building actions in Ourique, Castro Verde, and Mértola, and we're thrilled to see the results of our hard work coming...

Wanted for Vinagra Village, Viana do Alentejo

Nature Of Arrangement: Employment. Project Title: Vinagra Village Project Project Location: Viana do Alentejo, Portugal Duration: 12 months, renewable Pilot Site: Vinagra Situated in Viana do Alentejo near Evora it is being developed into a working permaculture farm, to host international volunteers. The position is for implementing the initial phase...

Holistic grazing in Keyline

One of the key principles of regenerative agriculture is rotational grazing, which involves moving livestock between different areas of pasture to allow for rest and regrowth. But what if we could take it a step further and integrate it with another regenerative practice: keyline swales? By rotating grazing between these...

Implementing a saddle pond in Vale do Junco, Odemira

The saddle pond we are implementing in Vale do Junco, Odemira, is a crucial element in the keyline design mainframe of the project. It is strategically located in a saddle point of the terrain, where the water flows naturally and accumulates during the rainy season. The saddle pond will serve...

Delivery of the Vinagra Village project, Viana do Alentejo

Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce the delivery of the Vinagra Village project, a farm-to-table rural hotel located in Viana do Alentejo. This project is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication by the Terracrua team, who have put their heart and soul into designing and creating...

Implementing a ridge pond in Cancelas, Odemira

In the Cancelas project, we are excited to announce the implementation of a ridge pond, a key feature of our water management system. Ridge ponds are designed to slow down and capture surface water runoff, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers. Our ridge pond...

First workshop of Pastagens Regenerativas

First Workshop of the Farmers' Research Group of the Regenerative Pastures Project A group of motivated farmers discuss the doubts that keyline or directed grazing methods can raise. Together, and with the help of the facilitation team, they also analyzed and decided which farms they would like to visit to...

Stoneworks in Cucumbi: Zunibowls!

Stoneworks are essential in designing roads and waterways. They serve the critical purpose of slowing down the water flow and redirecting it from the road drains to designated areas such as ponds or fruit terraces. By doing so, these elements prevent soil erosion, increase water infiltration, and ultimately promote a...

Implementations in Vinagra Village, Viana do Alentejo

Exciting news from Terracrua Design! We are thrilled to announce that we have just completed the first phase of our latest project in Vinagra Village, Viana do Alentejo. Our team has been hard at work designing the mainframe for this future farm-to-table rural hotel, which will encompass all aspects of...

Technical visit in Quinta da Pesqueira, Tomar

Yesterday we had the pleasure of a technical visit to a stunning 110-hectare property in Tomar, the notorious Quinta da Pesqueira. The land is full of potential for regenerative and ecological design, and we were excited to explore the possibilities for creating a sustainable and vibrant landscape. We're looking forward...

Earthworks in Pexoira, Cercal

We're thrilled to share the progress made on our project, which was first developed in 2020. Our team has been hard at work implementing the initial interventions, including shredding "matos" and leaving the biomass in the soils, oaks prunings, main roads alterations, water works, and ponds constructions, among others. We...

Pastagens Regenerativas project launch

We had the pleasure of participating in the launch of the "Regenerative Pastures" project yesterday in Castro Verde! This exciting initiative focuses on the regeneration of pastures, promoting the ecological balance and biodiversity of the region. As proponents of regenerative design, we are thrilled to be involved in this important...

Delivery of the Terramay project, Alandroal

We are absolutely delighted to share the news of the successful delivery of the Terramay farm project, revisited and redesigned by our exceptional team at Terracrua Design. It was an honor to work alongside the family De Brito and Thomas Sterchi to bring a fresh and innovative approach to cattle...

Delivery of the Cucumbi project, Santa Susana

And the week ends on a high note with the delivery of the PEAR (Agro-Regenerative Structural Project) for the rural hotel Cucumbi in the Montemor-O-Novo area! This is a farm that was already in operation before the planning process with us, and its main activities are the production of breeding...

Delivery of the Light of Colos project, Colos

We are thrilled to announce the delivery of the P.E.A.R.L. of the "Light of Colos" development project, an idea in progress that aims to create an ecologically/regeneratively integrated community within the landscape. Below are some images of the lightweight structural design we developed, accompanied by budgets and implementation timelines. We...

Technical visit near Vendas Novas

Looking for inspiration to create your own self-sufficient paradise? Look no further than our recent technical visit to a sprawling 100-hectare property in the beautiful Vendas Novas area. The family behind this project is working to achieve food self-sufficiency and sovereignty, and we were honored to be a part of...

Preparations for implementations at Cucumbi

Exciting news from Cucumbi! A new phase of implementation is on the horizon, and Terracrua Design is at the forefront of creating a more sustainable and regenerative future for the community. During a recent technical visit, our team marked the location of a new dam and identified areas for new...

Delivery of the Ferraria de São João project, Penela

Ferraria de São João - an inspiring example of a resilient community! In 2017, the wildfires that devastated the region left the community of Ferraria de São João determined to take preventive measures to increase their safety against future fires. They knew they needed to act fast and work together...

First interventions near Cercal

At Terracrua Design, we understand that the acquisition of a new property is just the beginning of a journey towards creating a space that truly reflects your vision. That's why we prioritize conducting a comprehensive diagnosis of the property's fencing and boundaries as one of the first tasks after acquisition....

Technical visit in Cadaval

Embarking on a property purchase journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Terracrua Design, we recently conducted a comprehensive prospection visit in Cadaval to support our esteemed client's imminent property acquisition. Our team of experts meticulously evaluated every aspect of the property to provide our client with a detailed...

Hands-on workshop, interventions in a saddle pond

Terracrua Design recently hosted a hands-on workshop on regenerative action at Vale do Junco, with a focus on restoring a recently built saddle pond. The workshop aimed to bring together individuals interested in learning about regenerative practices and contributing to the restoration of degraded land. The project involved restoring a...

Implementations near Guia

Check out these inspiring photos of a project currently in progress in Guia, developed under our designer mentorship program. We are excited to share the implementation of swales and double-contour swales to install a diverse traditional orchard. Our congratulations go out to Miguel Clemente, who has been doing a great...

Technical visit near Sabóia

Are you dreaming of owning your own piece of land in the beautiful region of Saboia and Santa Clara-a-Velha, but feeling uncertain about making the right decision? Terracrua Design is here to help! Our team recently conducted a comprehensive property analysis on a stunning 2.5-hectare farm in the area and...

Technical visit in Oyawa, Santiago do Cacém

Join us for an exciting journey into a regenerative agricultural project in Santiago do Cacém! We're thrilled to share that our team has conducted the first technical visit for a PEAR project on a beautiful 50-hectare property. With our expertise in terracrua design principles and vision, we're excited to help...

Implementations in Cucumbi

We are thrilled to share with you our latest project in which we have been overseeing the construction of innovative bossa/cumeada ponds, designed to reduce erosion and increase rainwater infiltration on the high points of the property. Our team has been closely monitoring the construction process, ensuring that these features...

Project visit #1 in Cucumbi

Welcome to the exciting world of regenerative agriculture! We recently had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Cucumbi Farm, which spans an impressive 100 hectares. Our goal for this initial visit was to gather valuable information that will aid in the analysis and design of an agro-regenerative structural project. And...

Regenerative Farm Design Workshop

Regenerative Farm Design Workshop, what is it? Terracrua Design presents a new formation workshop for 2021, a 5-day intensive course where participants will learn how to use all available tools to plan, implement and maintain their farm idea or project. This of course, in a regenerative approach, within the frameworks...

Project visit in Ferraria de São João

Terracrua Design is excited to share the latest updates from our third visit to the beautiful Ferraria de São João. As part of our participatory design project, we held meetings with our partner organizations and facilitated an assembly of residents to ensure their voices were heard in decision-making processes. We...

Technical visit in Vinagra Village, Viana do Alentejo

Are you ready to witness the transformation of a 20-hectare farm in the picturesque Viana do Alentejo region? Terracrua Design is thrilled to announce our upcoming consultancy visit, where we'll be providing expert advice on structural planning and keyline design. Our team of seasoned professionals is passionate about optimizing the...

Implementations at Life Reimagened, Portimão

We are thrilled to share a video from one of our clients, showcasing a recent project that we completed this autumn - just in time for the rainy season. Our team was tasked with the implementation of keyline terraces and retrofitting an existing pond, and the results are truly breathtaking....

First interventions in Alibira, Aljezur

As autumn sets in, the Terracrua Design team is gearing up for an exciting new project. Over the next four weeks, we will be coordinating a series of carefully planned and executed tasks in the field, from clearing and brush-cutting to the construction of terraces and infrastructure. At Terracrua Design,...

Implementing water+access in Vale do Junco

In the tranquil Vale do Junco, progress is underway as we push forward with the implementation of our cutting-edge water and access infrastructure. At Terracrua Design, we believe that every project should be approached with a holistic mindset, considering both the natural environment and the needs of the community. That's...

Technical visit in Boomland

We're thrilled to share with you about our recent technical visit and consulting session at a stunning 180-hectare estate in the Idanha a Nova region - the very same property where the legendary Boom festival takes place. During our visit, we explored the property's potential for regenerative land use practices...

Post Fire interventions – What to do?

New and Improved Post-Fire Intervention Guide Poster: A Resource for Ecological Regeneration and Landscape Structuring Title: Post-Fire Intervention Guide in Portugal: Restoring the Landscape We are excited to introduce the latest edition of our Post-Fire Intervention Guide, a valuable tool for ecological regeneration and landscape restructuring in Portugal. Originally released...

Bringing Keyline design to the Montado

The Montado system, a unique agroforestry ecosystem found in the Iberian Peninsula, has been facing serious degradation in recent years due to various factors such as climate change, overgrazing, and unsustainable land management practices. In response to this crisis, Terracrua Design has been working to implement regenerative practices in the...

Technical visit in Cucumbi, Santa Susana

During a recent technical visit for a P.E.A.R.L project, our team had the opportunity to explore a fascinating property spanning 100 hectares. With existing production of organic eggs, lambs, and vegetables, this farm is already taking important steps towards regenerative agriculture. Our visit allowed us to delve deeper into the...

Exploring the Potential of Organic Vineyards and Mixed Orchards

Regenerative Farming in Terramay, Alandroal: Exploring the Potential of Organic Vineyards and Mixed Orchards In Terramay, we are taking a crucial step towards creating a regenerative agricultural system by evaluating the soil profiles and potential for biodynamic vineyards and mixed orchards. With guidance from the renowned Eng. Jorge Ferreira, a...

Technical visit near São Marcos da Serra

Recently, our team had the opportunity to visit a stunning 21-hectare property near São Marcos da Serra, where we collected valuable information and interviewed the clients as part of our P.E.A.R.L. (Structural Light Agro-Regenerative Project) process. We were impressed by the potential of this land and are excited to develop...

Consultancy in São Francisco da Serra

We recently had the pleasure of making our first visit to a fascinating property located in the scenic mountains of Grândola, as part of yet another Agro-Regenerative Structural Project. As proponents of sustainable land management practices, we are always thrilled to see individuals and organizations taking a proactive approach towards...

What is the Holistic grazing management?

Holistic management is a comprehensive approach to managing grasslands, livestock, and water resources that focuses on the interrelationships between these components. Developed by Allan Savory, a biologist and farmer from Zimbabwe, the system has been adopted by ranchers and farmers worldwide as a regenerative and effective way to manage their...

And the #1 reforestation action in Rio de Mel was successfully concluded!

Planting the Seeds of a Harmonious Future: Terracrua Design's First Reforestation Action at Project Rio de Mel "Even in the rain, many people came to help plant at the Rio de Mel Project, in what was the first reforestation action in a landscape hydration matrix! We extend a deep gratitude...

Announcing the Rio de Mel planting event!

On November 29th, all roads lead to Rio de Mel 😉! Visit the new website of the Rio de Mel Project, spread the word, and come help us plant one of the many trees we're putting in the ground on that day! At Terracrua Design, we believe in creating regenerative...

Technical Visit near Odemira

We recently visited a stunning property near Odemira, which has great potential for us to work with water and landscape hydration. We are excited to announce that this will be the birthplace of a new regenerative tourism project, encompassing 28 hectares of fruit and agrosilviculture. This property offers ideal conditions...

Technical visit in a property in Picota, Monchique

Reviving Monchique: A Sustainable Restoration Project for a Fire-Stricken Region" Today we had the pleasure of visiting a project at the top of Monchique, an area that was severely affected by the 2018 wildfires. The restoration and ecological structuring actions are currently being prepared for the upcoming autumn season, in...

Interview in “Voz do Campo” magazine, February 2019

What was done and what should have been done following the major fires of the last two years in Portugal? Terracrua Design (terracruadesign.com), a small company based in Faro, has become a reference in projects related to ecology and sustainability, forest regeneration, and post-fire strategies. Nuno Mamede is a consultant,...

Delivery of the Herdade do Nicolau project, Serpa

Regenerative Design at Herdade do Nicolau: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry The Nicolau estate, located in the Guadiana River watershed, on a strip of land between this great river and Chança, is a typical reflection of the landscapes of the left bank of the Guadiana: a landscape...

Delivery of the Sítio das Alagoas project, Burgau

Terracrua Design's project "Sítio das Alagoas" is a multi-faceted agricultural and rural tourism venture, part of the "Casa de Campo" group. With such a diversity of functions, it was important to balance and define the parameters of both the agricultural and tourism aspects of the project. The 5.7 hectare property,...

Delivery of the Endiabrada project, Bordeira

We were delighted to deliver the Endiabrada project to its promoters. This is a family project based on self-sufficiency: at the food, agro-economic and, as much as possible, at the energy resources level. The owners, who had the opportunity in the past to manage a farm in Northern Europe, wanted...

Exploring Regenerative Agriculture and Holistic Livestock Management in Avis

Recently, our team had the pleasure of conducting a technical visit to two farms in the Avis region of Portugal. Our goal was to explore the potential for regenerative agriculture and holistic livestock management practices in these unique landscapes. At Terracrua Design, we believe that regenerative agriculture can be a...

Hydrological planning and implementation in Endiabrada, Bordeira

In order to increase the water self-sufficiency of the property, it's important to work with surface water, capturing and storing it for later use, while also creating wetland areas, hydrating the landscape and creating habitats. The proposed paths were designed to be traversed smoothly, whenever possible, taking into account the...

The Birth of a New Regenerative Project on the Banks of the Guadiana River

Technical visit in Herdade da Granja, aka Terramay, in Alandroal. We are thrilled to announce our involvement in an exciting new project taking shape on the banks of the Guadiana River. This 250Ha farm is set to become a model of integrated regenerative production, incorporating diverse systems of organic polyculture,...

Discovering a Thriving Agroecological Farm in Sintra

Discovering a Thriving Agroecological Farm in Sintra - Our Search for Sustainable Solutions for Biodynamic Vineyards Our team at Terracrua Design recently had the pleasure of visiting an exciting new agroecological farm in the beautiful region of Sintra. During our visit, we were inspired by the innovative approaches being taken...

Exploring the Potential of a Stunning 15 Hectare Monte in Almodovar

Our team at Terracrua Design is thrilled to share our experience exploring a breathtaking 15-hectare Monte property in Almodovar. During our technical consultancy visit, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the land and analyze the best ways to optimize land use while prioritizing ecological...

Technical Visit to Stone Pines, Lagoa de Santo André

Terracrua Design's technical consulting visit service is designed to support sustainable and regenerative land management practices, and we recently conducted an assessment of a fascinating property that features rural tourism in the Lagoa de Santo André area. The Lagoa de Santo André area is located in the Alentejo region of...

Technical visit in Aldeia do Cano, Cercal

One more potential analysis visit was conducted in the Cercal area. We have given a positive assessment for the purchase of this property, as it is well-balanced, fertile, and highly suited for agroforestry activities. This aligns with Terracrua Design's principles and vision of sustainable land management, utilizing regenerative agriculture techniques...

Terracrua Design´s Open Day in Ourique!

During our sessions, we provide an idea of how to prepare land for climate change adaptation and desertification through keyline design, permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and more. Who is it for and what is it for? This initiative is aimed at producers, landowners, hunters, agricultural and forestry service providers, associations, and...

Terracrua Design Supports Fire-Affected Projects in Monchique

It was an intense and rewarding day. We received 5 projects affected by the fire and provided advice on how to intervene. This is just the beginning! From now on, we will be at the Cooperativa Agricola de Monchique every month, supporting and advising those interested in this new approach,...

Technical visit in the Viseu Area

Exploring the Potential for Reforestation: A Technical Visit to a Fire-Affected Property in Viseu Terracrua Design recently conducted a technical visit to a property in the Viseu region that was ravaged by wildfires last year. Our objective was to analyze the potential for reforestation and implement a water structural matrix...

Delivery of the Vale do Junco project, Odemira

We are thrilled to deliver the Vale do Junco project to its promoters. It has been a pleasure to develop this project with the full potential of this authentic watershed. From forest management areas to mixed orchards, including zone 5 and riparian galleries, this project is based on the keyline...

What is the scale of permanence?

At Terracrua Design, Regenerative Landscape Planning integrates principles of Permaculture Design, Holistic Grazing Management, various "schools" of Regenerative Agriculture and Forestry, as well as Keyline Design, through its key tool, the "Keyline Scale of Relative Permanence". Despite its complicated name, this intuitive and sensible concept serves as an essential tool...

Recovering from fires and planting in a different way, Tv report

Small report (TVI - February 25th, 2018) about emergency interventions after a fire in a farm in Alvares, an area affected by the June 2017 fires. The Terracrua Design team planned and implemented a series of actions on the ground aimed at recovering the burned areas and creating conditions for...

How can forest fires be prevented?

Let’s begin with a brief history. In 2003, Portugal was hit by one of its greatest ever heat waves. Thecountry’s central region – in the area between Lisbon, Leiria and Coimbra – was the worst affectedby forest fires. With temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, a relative humidity of less than...

Terracrua Design, seeds of change

It is a pioneering company on the national stage that combines the principles of permaculture with the different areas of conventional engineering. Terracrua Design is situated at an intermediate point between the two, with the aim of creating or co-creating new forms of dealing with the land and the landscape.That's...

XIV Meeting of Entrepreneurs of the Municipality of Mértola

It was a pleasure to be present at this meeting, with Nuno as part of the panel of experts, and to contribute to the future of Mértola and its activities. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the excellent organization of this event and to thank the Municipality...

5000 trees planted in 1 morning! Operação Montanha Verde 2017, Loulé

We were thrilled to be a part of the Operação Montanha Verde, an ambitious initiative by Zoomarine to plant 5,000 trees in one day to mitigate the risks of desertification in the Algarve. The team was tasked with coordinating tree planting on a 5.3-hectare property owned by the Loulé Municipality,...

Excerpts from the Presentation at Camelo – Conversations about forest regeneration

"We should look at the fire catastrophe as a second opportunity to plan and structure our landscape to become more resilient, efficient, and regenerative." This was the focus of a presentation by Terracrua Design at Camelo, Castanheira de Pêra, on November 5th, 2017. The presentation focused on post-fire interventions, and...

Fire and Regeneration – Corga da Pereira, Pedrógão Grande 17

The article is about the Corga da Pereira, a farm affected by the Pedrógão Grande fire in Portugal in 2017. The farm is a long-time friend of Terracrua Design, and the company has been trying to provide assistance in terms of emergency planning and structural interventions. The farm is in...

Postfire and structural planning at Quinta do Hério, Góis.

After our pro bono work in the area affected by the major 2017 June fires in Pedrogão Grande, Castanheira de Pêra and Góis regions, we developed this project for friends who live near Alvares. The property is challenging due to the steep terrain and was almost entirely burned. The owners...

What is a Zone 5?

In permaculture, the concept of zoning or sectors is fundamental. Zoning may vary according to the needs of each person or project. As a rule, Zone 5 is a more wild area, with its main characteristic being ecological conservation and regeneration; in this zone, little or no intervention is made....

PDC – Permaculture Design Course in Loulé, 2017

This initiative aims to promote and raise awareness among the population of Loulé on the possibilities that permaculture design can bring in improving the quality of life of the population, creating gardens, orchards, waste management, energy, and much more. The limit is our imagination! What: Permaculture Design Course; Who: Sílvia...

Postfire and structural plan for Awakeland, Monchique

Still in the aftermath of the wildfires in Serra de Monchique, the Awake project, which was heavily affected by the fire, has begun planning the adaptation of the land to prevent future fires. Among other measures, the construction of terraces and two new dams have been outlined. The terraces are...

12 reasons why you should plant hedges

Let's dive right in: hedges are an indispensable element of our designs, never to be left out, and always a success. Despite this, they're often seen as a second thought or optional, placed after production. But this is misguided. It's akin to planting an orchard before a hedge or postponing...

12 Tips to find the property of your dreams! (Portuguese)

Searching for a plot of land to start your life project, whether it's a funded agricultural project, a rural tourism venture, or a self-sufficient farm, is a process that is not always easy or quick. Often we become emotionally attached to a property without considering all the pros and cons,...

PDC – Permaculture Design Course in Loulé, 2015

Course Name: Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Evening Course Location: Loulé, Portugal Duration: July to December 2015 This course is completely free, thanks to the support of the Municipality of Loulé! Registration is mandatory, and priority will be given to residents of the Municipality of Loulé. The course is part...

What is Permaculture Design?

"The best way to predict the future is to design it." Buckminster Fuller, visionary, designer, architect, inventor, and American writer. We ask ourselves every day: how can we satisfy our needs? Permaculture poses a broader question: How can we satisfy our needs as individuals, families, and communities while taking care...