After years contemplating a minimalist new build, the time has finally arrived. We have reached engineering design stage with architecture design plans approved. Here you will find all the details of our new build construction project including; the plot, location, design and live timeline.
After viewing many plots within 5km of Loulé town, we fell in love with a plot on the hills above Loulé within easy reach of the town centre and 20 minutes drive to the ocean.
There is a very small ruin which we have to incorporate in the design, but other than that there are only rocks, trees, carpets of herbs and huge aloe vera plants on the 7283 square metre plot. The plot faces south, so the design makes the most of the full sunrise in the east to sunset in the south elevated view.
Check out our sister website for available plots in the Loulé and Faro region. We can design and build your dream home. Click here or visit our website for details of our turn-key property solutions: www.mcneillproperty.com
DESIGN CONCEPT
Design
A modern minimalist new build Scandinavian influenced home design of concrete construction and flooring. Extensive use of glass, steel, stone. A large and deep swimming pool. A flat roof that may be planted to help blend in with theb hillside for minimal disruption to the natural setting. Natural landscaping and planting.
Setting
Set on a hillside with views overlooking a green valley towards the Atlantic ocean. Exceptional light and open view incorporating sunrise and sunset. Quiet position with birdsong as only audible sound.
Constraints
Limiting factors; the local câmara (council) rules limited our design to a single story construction with a build limit 300 square metres and must incorporate existing ruin.
- Build size 300 square metres
- Plot size 7283 square metres
Build progress
10%
Process
so far
Just to give you some idea of the length of the process, I’ve listed the month for each step.
This section will be updated throughout the process so check back often or sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
- May 2017 – Viewing of land & decision to buy (same day)
- August 2017 – Purchase complete, start design phase
- December 2017 – First draft of plans received and approved
- Jan – March 2018 Unexpected delay, no progress for 3 months
- April 2018 – Redesign agreed and completed
- May 2018 – Plans ready for submission
- June 2018 – Planning approval application submitted
- July 2018 – Further information requested by Câmara
- January 2019 – Planning permission received
- January 2019 – Engineering design phase begins
- February 2019 – 3D modelling
Drone footage before build commences
Drone footage taken in July 2018 showing mountainside setting in summer. The ruin is small, has a tin roof and has been incorporated into the design. The land was used to grow carob and had been in the same family for a very long time.
We were very lucky to find a soiuth facing plot with ocean views so close to Loulé town centre, which is only a couple of minutes away by car.We can walk along the quiet country lanes to the town within 20 minutes.
Where is Loulé?
Loulé is a city and a municipality in the Faro District in Portugal. 12 km from the coastline of the “Golden Triangle”, an area which encompasses the luxury resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and the town of Almancil. Loulé itself is a lovely active market town which has retained its traditional charm and reputation as the craft capital of the Algarve. As a university city it has a young population, busy all year round and very popular with tourists in the summer months. Loulé town is one of the oldest in the region and is located just 18 km (11 miles) northwest of Faro airport – only 20 minutes drive away. You can read more about Loulé by clicking here.
Project news & updates
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