clad in cork bark, madeiguincho's terra tows mirror their site in portugal

terra tows by Madeiguincho in southeast portugal

Portuguese studio Madeiguincho expands its Tiny House collection with Terra Tows, a series of three mobile units located in a regenerative agriculture farm at Alqueva, Alentejo, in southeast Portugal. This area is defined by one of the largest dams in Europe, which marks the border between Portugal and Spain. Design-wise, the architects drew inspiration from the architectural heritage, the various historical settlements of Alentejo, the monolithic white Taipa houses, and the intriguing megalithic monuments around the site. ‘We explored their fundamental spatial features, their volumes, the interplay of light, and their profound connection with the natural environment. We aimed to capture the essence of these timeless structures and design a distinctive living experience rooted in this context,’ they note.

all images © João Carranca

three multi-level mobile units with efficient living spaces

As the team at Madeiguincho refined its design philosophy, a unified vision for the three Terra Tows emerged. Departing from conventional housing, the studio embraced the concept of a living object, where residents can experience and inhabit the space at different levels for a more organic experience. Inside the units, a maximized living area unfolds, promoting openness thanks to compact and efficient kitchen and bathroom spaces. Each mobile house culminates in an observatory terrace, embracing views of the expansive farm.

Terra 3 | all three units are located in a regenerative agriculture farm at Alqueva

mxing cork bark, pine, lime and wood with passive designs

Consistent finishes and materials tie all three houses together. Inside, Madeiguincho adopts a whitewashed wood finish in accordance with the lime finishes natural to the region. For the floors, the architects opted for traditional Portuguese pine. Outside, they used cork bark to cover the facade, mirroring the cork trees in the surrounding forest and improving insulation. Lastly, given the harsh climate, they prioritized thermal efficiency through passive design solutions such as cross ventilation and a strict definition of views and openings according to the landscape and orientation. Most southern facades are more enclosed, and the big openings face east or north to enhance thermal comfort.

Terra 3 is designed as an observatory

discover the three terra tows by madeiguincho

The first unit of the series by Madeiguincho, dubbed Terra 1, is located alongside a small bay of the dam. Program-wise, an open kitchen at the center unfolds into a walk-around promenade, starting from the hall, winding around the living room, and ascending stairs to a spacious terrace accessed through a skylight. The double bed is underneath the terrace, offering a cozy and secluded space for rest.

Meanwhile, Terra 2 emerges near a smaller lake away from the dam, making it feel like a retreat within a retreat. North light fills the interior through large, high windows, creating a calm, bright atmosphere. The bed on the top level, accessed by a ladder, is at the same height as the cork tree canopy, creating a pleasant resting space. On the opposite side is a living room. One can reach the rooftop using a smaller existing ladder by passing through a triangular window. From this terrace, the perspective shifts towards the south, revealing a different setting.

Terra 3’s interior focal point is a large circular window

The Madeiguincho architects complete their latest Tiny House collection with Terra 3, designed as an observatory nestled amid Portuguese nature. Upon entering, guests can pass through a narrow hall that conceals both the toilet and shower. Inside, the focal point is a large circular window that creates an expansive feel in the living area. From this circular window, a half-piped terrace invites them to unwind and contemplate the view ahead of them. ‘The unique location encompasses the vast Montado forest crossed by the Alqueva Dam, an area also known for stargazing tourism as one of the darkest zones in Europe,’ adds the studio.

Terra 3 interior