Terrapalha

Terrapalha designs new buildings and rehabilitates old ones using abundant, natural and local materials: earth, straw, wood, stone, hemp, bamboo and lime. It's the studio of architect Catarina Pinto, and since 2008 it has worked on ecological, healthy BioArchitecture meant to improve quality of life. The team works from Sintra and the Alentejo coast, with projects across Portugal and Europe. The studio covers the full range of architectural and engineering services, from initial studies and licensing to execution projects and site supervision. It works with experienced partners who share its ecological criteria. Old buildings are a specialty. Terrapalha rehabilitates them with an ecological approach that includes restoration, reinforced thermal insulation, traditional renders and efficient window frames, preserving the heritage while giving contemporary comfort. Straw bale construction is another core specialty. The team represents EcoCocon prefabricated straw-insulated wall panels, which are fast to assemble and offer superior energy efficiency, potentially reaching Passivhaus certification. For finishes, Terrapalha provides ecological coatings and paints made with clay, lime and natural pigments, as well as Moroccan tadelakt. The studio also offers consultancy and training. It organises natural construction courses and talks for builders, architects, engineers, self-builders, owners and students. Natural materials are explored as an artistic medium too, as a way of promoting awareness of resource use and ecological construction.