With a total area of 16 hectares, the property is crossed by one of the iconic trails of the Serra da Estrela, the 'Rota do Carvão' (Coal Route). The 'Rota do Carvão' is a trail with over 20 km that transported coal from the heath root at the top of the mountain to the town of Manteigas. Today, the trail is a significant tourist attraction that traverses a unique landscape, full of grazing areas and deciduous forests, as well as natural sculptures on rocky cliffs. In the middle of the route is a building that will be restored in a model of vernacular architecture using natural stone construction, emphasizing local resources. This privileged position of the existing building will allow the creation of a support point for the forest management of the property and the provision of information and assistance to environmental tourists traveling the Coal Route.
The project envisions the creation of a pioneering sustainable forest development initiative. It proposes to transform an area rich in fauna, flora, and history into a community, presenting a diverse set of integrated projects, including the establishment of a research center, a cultural space, a promotional area for Manteigas, environmental animation space, and an Eco Resort.
The project's guiding principle and concept are 'an encounter with nature,' seeking the best sustainable and innovative solutions that reconnect people with nature.
The proposal involves expanding an existing building, transforming it into a space for environmental animation promotion, and creating an eco-resort with 16 autonomous modules in a nature tourism area.
The proposed intervention in the existing building reflects the property's vision of sustainability in socio-cultural and environmental terms, with a focus on preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural richness of the region.
The intervention will seek BREEAM certification.
The proposal aims to contribute to social engagement by providing information and support for environmental tourism, as well as for the forest management of the property. The restored building will be a focal point on the 'Rota do Carvão' and in promoting sustainable tourism in the region.