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Permaculture

LEARN WITH ORADA

Prioritize nature's well-being, leave a positive impact, enrich, and commit to long-term benefits.

Nourish and be nourished by abundance. Respect biodiversity, adopt sustainability,

and promote regenerative agriculture.

Light Wood Panel

Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single-product system.

It is a design system that integrates human activities with the natural world, creating sustainable and regenerative environments that meet our needs while enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and ecological resilience.

- Bill Mollison

Adobe

The ancient ruins of Orada were recovered using local materials and building techniques known as Taipa and Adobe. Taipa, also called rammed earth, relies on natural materials like earth, gravel, rock, chalk, and lime for foundations, walls, and floors. This sustainable method offers thermal mass, strength, durability, and aesthetic beauty. The revival of these techniques in the restoration of Orada showcases a successful blend of ancient wisdom and modern sustainability.

COA_3262 2 - cópia.JPG

Biopool

The Biopool is a chemical-free, natural system that uses biological filters and hydroponically rooted plants to purify water. It has a swimming zone and a regeneration zone, where water is clarified through biological processes. The Biopool attracts fauna and increases biodiversity.

Bio pool surrounded by nature at eco retreat center alentejo

Seed Bank

Juliana embodies abundance as she tends to a live seed bank with over 1000 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Her collection includes 40 different types of tomatoes, 30 varieties of pumpkins, and an assortment of greens and root vegetables. Her dedication showcases the incredible diversity and potential for growth in nature.

several seeds part of a eco retreat center in alentejo

Compost

Composting is vital for healthy soil. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, reduces waste, and returns valuable nutrients to the earth. It also improves soil structure, and moisture retention, and promotes biodiversity.

hands holding compost at a eco retreat center in alentejo

Dry Toilet

Our bungalows, teepee, and treehouse feature Dry Toilets. Through composting, human waste is transformed into compost-like material, eliminating pathogens over two years. This sustainable process nourishes our fruit trees, returning waste to the earth as valuable manure.

dry toilet surrounded by wild nature at a eco retreat center in alentejo

Solar Energy

With 300 sunny days annually, we make the most of our region's solar potential. We use solar energy for hot water, pumping, and electricity. Solar hot water systems provide warmth, solar pumps offer reliable water supply, and photovoltaic power generates clean electricity. By maximizing solar utilization, we reduce costs and environmental impact, creating a sustainable future.

solar panels in the middle of nature at an eco retreat center in alentejo

Containers

Recycling containers into livable spaces is a great way to repurpose them! Affordable and easily transportable, containers offer a practical solution, especially when time is a factor. Containers are like adaptable structures, and natural materials can be used inside and outside to integrate them into the landscape.

reused container for accommodation at an eco retreat center in portugal

Cleaning

In Orada, we give back to the land that provides us with so much. We use only biodegradable and organic detergents, soaps, and shampoos, and treat dark and grey waters to protect their purity.

two bar of organic soaps and wild flowers made at an yoga retreat center in Portugal

At Monte da Orada we are dedicated to creating a space where people can come together to learn, grow, and create a sustainable future.

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