Casa de São Lourenço in Manteigas, Portugal
In the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in northern Portugal, among the stunning views and clean mountain air, lies Casa de São Lourenço—part of Burel Mountain Hotels. Born out of the building whose history dates back to the 1940s, Casa de São Lourenço charms with its minimalist concrete interior while offering all the amenities of the luxury hotel.
Located 1,250 meters above sea level, the hotel’s construction acts as a device allowing the guests to observe and connect with nature—from anywhere in the building. The result of close cooperation between architects P-06 and Site Specific, the emphasis in the project was placed on preserving the history of the building and how it integrates into the surrounding landscape, following the original project by Rogério de Azevedo from 1948. The modern addition to the building is based primarily on clean concrete, equipped with several local references in its interior. The geometry of the hotel creates large glass surfaces and generous exterior spaces in all of its rooms and social areas, offering outstanding views and a unique, serene atmosphere: almost like one is retreating in the sky.
You start dying when you stop dreaming.