Casa Chilli Comporta

Low Impact, High Design

Featuring a “light wood” prefab construction developed decades ago by a pair of architects at Porto-based Modular Systems, this breezy residence was created for minimum environmental impact and simple seaside beauty. The sand-surrounded, open-air villa is integrated harmoniously into the coastal landscape, a bright, wood-meets-glass, vacation-forward home that gives off sun-kissed, low-key bohemian beach vibes, with the added plus of sustainability crafted with elegance.

One of a collection of getaways created by owners who are dedicated to creating spaces with a sense of purpose, this CO2-minimizing modular casa is constructed of energy-efficient, new and recycled materials, runs wastewater reuse and rainwater collection systems, features energy efficient lighting, heating and appliances, as well as solar and passive energy systems, and comes equipped with innovative ventilation methods. Its low impact profile is dressed up with high design, proving that eco-credentials and architectural elegance go easily hand in hand. 

There’s a chem-free saltwater pool and terrace steps down from a spacious outdoor living/dining patio. Textural natural fibers fill the rooms for an overall feeling of fuss-free, organically-styled sophistication. On-site amenities include an “in-house grocery” stocked with local foodstuffs, an electric car charging station, bikes, SUPs and a wine cellar.

AROUND

Hip global nomads have marked the modest coastal Comporta region of Portugal’s Alentejo as their new favorite playground, riding in on the coattails of fashion designers, international architects, entrepreneurial urbanites, and modern art collectors. And it’s no wonder. This mostly unspoiled part of Portugal’s coast is undeniably beautiful, a landscape of vineyards and cork oak fields, unexpected rice paddies, and groves of glinting olive and orange dotted citrus trees. Blue and yellow striped, cobbled villages are watched over by huge stork’s nests, and the region has historically been home to agricultural families more than tourists. 

Comporta is well loved for its easygoing elegance and trendy artisanal boutiques. There’s a lively gallery scene and a handful of cute cafes. Nearby Melides is also a favorite of design-conscious shoppers and patrons of the arts who delight in the burgeoning selection of galleries, studio/workshops, and carefully curated boutiques. Simple coastal cafes still sizzle with the sound of grilled sardines or locally-caught eels, and new white tablecloth-quality restaurants are arriving on the scene. Lovers of the laid-back and rugged will thrill with horseback rides along the rolling surf. The area’s golden sand stretches extend for miles, backed by dunes, cliffs, and windsculpted pines—beaches known for their big, rolling waves. Not to be missed are Praia da Galé-Fontainhas, Praia da Comporta and the Praia da Melides, and the protected lagoons, their waters rich with birds and wildlife, including Lagoa de Santo André and the Lagoa de Melides. Hikers can take to the vigorous Rota da Serra de Grândola that circles through a massive cork-oak forest and over hills crisscrossed by streams. The nearby Troia peninsula is a big draw for kite and wind surfers, and the Sado Estuary is a natural wetland reserve with resident flamingos, otters, dolphins and more than 250 types of protected birds.

LOCATION

Comporta, Alentejo, Portugal. Nearest airport: Lisbon (1½ hours)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October