Lagar House: A Modern Take on Traditional Wine Production Spaces

Lagar House, nestled in the quaint valley of Várzea de Abrunhais in Lamego, Portugal, offers a unique blend of traditional winemaking heritage and contemporary living. This project, spearheaded by the architects at Colajj and captured through the lens of Marcos A. Sousa, represents a meticulous transformation of an old wine press, Casa do Lagar, into a luxurious rural tourism accommodation. The essence of the original structure, devoted to grape production and wine-making, is preserved while integrating modern comforts and design, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking solace amidst nature and viticulture.

The Transformation of Casa do Lagar

Originally serving as a vital component of the Quinta de Recião farm's wine production, Casa do Lagar housed large stone tanks for grape pressing, linked by a staircase to winemaking utensils above. The renovation reimagines this space to accommodate three bedrooms, blending the rustic charm of vineyard life with the amenities of modern living. The architects' intervention respects the building's historical context while introducing contemporary materials and spatial configurations.

A Harmonious Blend of Materials and Spaces

The redesign of Lagar House is marked by a thoughtful use of materials that delineate its new programmatic functions. The ground floor, with its imposing double yellow granite masonry, hosts the social areas, connecting seamlessly with the landscape. Above, a wooden-slatted volume cradles the private quarters, echoing the vineyard's slopes. A striking feature is the slate-covered vertical connection, integrating materials from the farm itself and enhancing the house's bond with its setting.

Interior Spaces: A Dialogue with Nature

The interior design of Lagar House continues the narrative of connection and contemplation. The social areas on the ground floor, including the kitchen and living room, offer direct engagement with the outdoors, facilitated by the home's largest opening towards the river. The upper floor, accessible via a fan staircase illuminated by a skylight, houses the bedrooms. These spaces maintain a close relationship with the exterior, featuring interior balconies and expansive windows that frame the serene landscape.

Preserving the Essence of Winemaking Tradition

Significant to the renovation is the preservation and reinterpretation of winemaking elements. The original stone tanks, reconfigured within the living space, serve as a physical and symbolic link to the house's heritage. This gesture, along with the use of traditional materials such as handmade clay pieces for flooring and plastered white walls, reinforces the continuity between past and present.

Lagar House stands as a testament to the possibility of harmonizing architectural heritage with contemporary design. Its transformation from a traditional wine press to a rural tourism accommodation encapsulates the essence of a life dedicated to viticulture, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and tranquility of a Portuguese vineyard. This project not only serves as a model for adaptive reuse but also highlights the potential of architecture to create spaces that resonate deeply with their natural and historical contexts.

All photographs are work of Marcos A. Sousa