A country estate and print studio with an artist-in-residence programme, set within the lush landscapes of Sintra, Portugal.
The client encouraged us to take the neighbouring historic Monserrate Palace as our muse. Its steep slopes, moss and fern ridden architecture, exceptionally high tree canopies and natural water sources match the landscape at Atelier Citrina.
Sintra’s mild climate, characterised by wet winters and hot, dry summers, allowed us to introduce a year-round palette of palms and exotic plants on a significant scale. Natural spring water feeds a series of water features and cascades, bringing movement and sound into the garden while connecting the landscape to its natural water sources.
In response to the architecture, we selected pigmented cast concrete and natural stone walling sourced from local quarries. These materials establish a strong architectural framework within which lush, layered planting creates a sense of immersion. Outdoor bathrooms and kitchens, meadow planting and fruit trees extend the estate’s living spaces into the landscape, creating a series of spaces for relaxation, entertaining and artistic activity.
The project was designed from concept to completion in collaboration with artists Mirry Stolzenberg and Philippe Matteus, landscaper Markus Treppo and principal contractor Landing Pad.
Pigmented Cast concrete; Reclaimed wood; Natural stone walling.
Giant Taro- Alocasia macrorrhiza; Swiss cheese plant- Monstera deliciosa; Abyssinian banana- Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'; Philodendron Xanadu- Thaumatophyllum xanadu; White bird of paradise- Strelitzia augusta; Himalayan ginger-Cautleya spicata ‘Arun Flame’; Papyrus- Cyperus papyrus
