Three Tiny Houses Perfect for Stargazing on a Sustainable Farm in Portugal

Three tiny houses named Terra 1, Terra 2, and Terra 3 by Portuguese architecture and carpentry company Madeiguincho have taken the concept of ‘working in harmony with their surroundings’ to a whole new level.

Madeiguincho was tasked with the unique challenge of designing three tiny houses to enhance the experience of a regenerative agriculture farm in Alqueva, Alentejo, southeast Portugal. The area is renowned for having one of Europe’s largest dams, marking the border between Portugal and Spain.

However, no standard tiny homes were going to be enough to truly maximize the appeal and beauty of this area. This part of southeast Portugal, incorporating the Montado forest crossed by the Alqueva dam, is also well-known for being a top-rated stargazing destination. As one of the darkest zones in Europe, it brings in travelers from far and wide to experience the very best in astronomy. As a result, these ‘Terra’ tiny homes needed to be something truly special – and they are.

Designing the ‘Terra’ Tiny Homes

Designing three tiny homes to bring out the best in their surroundings was never going to be an easy task. Still, the team at Madeiguincho worked their magic. They were inspired by the area’s architectural heritage, Alentejo’s historical settlements, Taipa homes, and megalithic monuments.

Alongside exploring their spatial features, the design team also paid particular attention to how the light affected the area where each tiny house would be located. The goal would be to ensure that each tiny home would offer a distinctive living experience. However, they would still epitomize the best features of their individual settings.

The result was something truly magical. Each home design bucked convention and revolved around the concept of a living object that allowed for organic and unique living.

Bringing the ‘Terra’ Tiny Homes to Life

When construction got underway for the ‘Terra’ tiny homes, Madeiguincho focussed on creating an open and efficient design that would maximize all available space. Each tiny house would also include an observatory terrace and receive consistent finishes to tie each one together.

All three Terra tiny houses have whitewashed wood finishes to tie in with the lime finishes this region is known for and traditional Portuguese pine floors. You’ll also notice the cork bark facades, cleverly mirroring the cork trees in the area and improving the tiny homes’ insulation.

Thermal efficiency was integral to the design of these tiny homes due to the harsh climate. Madeiguincho integrated this efficiency in many ways, such as through cross ventilation and particular attention paid to openings, views, and orientations.

Terra 1

Terra 1 is Madeiguincho’s first creation, a 13m2 tiny home situated along a small bay by the dam. While it has a small footprint, Madeiguincho has cleverly maximized all available space on the interior.

The open kitchen in the heart of the tiny home unfolds into a walk-around promenade. You can meander from the hall into the living room and make your way up the stairs to a terrace accessible from a skylight. There is also a double bed underneath the terrace for secluded and cozy rest.

Terra 1 is a 13m2 tiny home by the Portuguese architecture and carpentry company Madeiguincho. It’s located in a small bay by a dam and has been clad in cork bark to mirror the cork trees in the area.

Terra 1 has a spacious deck around its rear side, looking out over the nearby dam.

The kitchen is in the heart of the Terra tiny homes, with a small counter featuring a sink to manage meal prep.

The quaint living area has two comfortable seating areas where you can lie back and look out the angled windows above.

A staircase has been cleverly built into the kitchen bench, providing access to the terrace through the skylight.

A comfortable bed is tucked away in the rear of the tiny house, offering views of the outdoors via narrow windows.

The shower is easily one of the most standout features in Terra 1. It’s accessible from both inside and outside the tiny house.

Terra 2

This second tiny house is 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 and bright atmosphere. The bed on the top level, accessed by a ladder, is positioned at the same height as the cork tree canopy, creating a unique resting space. On the opposite side of the house, there is a living room. Using a smaller existing ladder, one can reach the rooftop by passing through a triangular window. From this terrace, the perspective shifts towards the south, revealing a different setting of the surroundings.

Terra 2 is the second 13m2 tiny home by Madeiguincho. It’s at the same height as the surrounding cork trees and positioned near a smaller lake by the dam. It has a rooftop terrace accessible through a triangle window.

The quaint deck offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and cork trees.

Terra 2’s kitchen is tucked away in the rear of the tiny home adjacent to a ladder providing access to the bedroom area. A wood-burning stove keeps the chill out of the air in the heart of the tiny home.