Almost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese autonomous region of Azores is an archipelago of nine islands. Another escape for the eyes or maybe your next destination…

Episode Three: the Lava Homes Resort.

It’s on the island of Pico, the largest island of the “Açores”, near to Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal, at 2,351 m (one of the tallest mountains on the planet if you consider its height from the bottom of the ocean to its peak), that a cluster of homes have been completed by Diogo Mega Arquitectos.

The parish of Santo Amaro, located on the North coast of the island, is 20 km away from the county main village. It has a population of around 300 inhabitants, known for its hospitality and well-being, attracts more and more tourists every year.

The Lava Home Resort is made up of 14 accommodation units: 3 one-bedroom; 8 two-bedroom and 3 three-bedroom accommodations with various fittings.

The views are stunning with on the West, the whole bay of Santo Amaro and top of the mountain of Pico, in day of little cloudiness and right opposite the island of São Jorge.

The project started in 2015 and was designed to alter as little as possible the topography of the land, so that the integration of the houses was as harmonious as possible.

Only locally resourced materials were used (stone and the wood of criptoméria) for the interiors and exteriors (ceilings, facades, some furniture). All windows and glass doors of the development are double-glazed.

Endemic preserved local plants were also used for the gardens and cisterns are used to use rainwater for irrigation. The heating of water is made using energy-efficient heat pumps, coupled to photovoltaic panels. The heating of the houses is done through pellets stoves, a clean and renewable energy. For the lighting, smart and motion sensors make sure that no unnecessary lights are on when guests are outside.

The topography ensure privacy to each guests and full and panoramic sea view both for the Canal and the Island of São Jorge, as well as the bays of the island of Pico, beautiful sea recesses along the parishes of Santo Amaro, Praínha and São Roque.

Finally, the common spaces include a heated swimming pool (5x14m); a panoramic multipurpose room, where yoga classes are held several times a week; a 40-PAX restaurant (provided with local products); a small grocery store and a craft shop.