Travel & Hospitality

São Lourenço do Barrocal

A bold new vision for a Portuguese family estate

Set in Portugal’s wild and beautiful Alentejo region, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a seventh-generation family estate with a new vision for modern country living. With a fascinating story to tell and a unique backdrop in which to tell it, we painted a picture of a softly spoken, thoughtfully planned redevelopment that would inspire visitors, locals and the entire hotel industry.

Over long conversations, dinners and walks in the Alentejo countryside, we realised that we were telling the story of not just a hotel, but an entire region – bringing the vast landscape, Neolithic history and unique culture of both Barrocal and Alentejo to life for audiences near and far.

We worked with owner and lead developer José António Uva to shape the narrative and aesthetic for São Lourenço do Barrocal, culminating in-depth website which features a series of films exploring the estate and region, as well as animations revealing plans from the project’s award-winning architects.

We also produced an accompanying illustrated book outlining São Lourenço do Barrocal’s remarkable vision – including a carefully researched and considered history of the region, introductions to local agriculture and spotlights on small producers based in the area – and designed labels for the estate-bottled wine.

With an inspiring story and steadfast ideals, the revitalised São Lourenço do Barrocal has garnered awards from across the hotel industry, and is poised to play home to a thriving community for generations to come.

The story of the site is central to everything at Barrocal, and our work creates a bridge between its rich past and optimistic future.

Photograph by
Filipe Lucas Frazão

A place on paper

Just like the redevelopment it showcases, every element of our book was carefully thought through, from paper stocks that mark different stages of the story to typography rooted in Portuguese history and culture.