Baraka
Build Sustainably
How we
Over the past three years, construction has become one of our main projects at Baraka Forest. While establishing the farm, we simultaneously needed to create a living space for ourselves and accommodations for guests. We decided to build a main wooden house for ourselves and several small wooden bungalows to welcome visitors who want to experience the Azores, stay close to nature, and get involved in what we’re doing.
Building up Baraka Forest
Built With Our Own Hands
We built the first house with help from my husband’s brother, who is an engineer and carpenter. He assisted with planning and design, giving us a solid foundation for the project. After that first build, we continued with confidence. Armed with the experience we’d gained and countless hours of research on building techniques, we built everything ourselves. We occasionally invite friends to help with heavy lifting, but otherwise, these structures are born from our imagination and brought into reality through our own strength and dedication.
It’s been challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful — creating spaces not just for ourselves, but for others to experience what we’ve built here.
It’s been challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful — creating spaces not just for ourselves, but for others to experience what we’ve built here.
Approaching challenges with smart design
Construction in Portugal typically means concrete — everywhere. But we didn’t want that. Living on an island surrounded by ocean means humidity is our constant challenge. We needed to build in a way that would keep our spaces dry, cozy, and comfortable. So we followed several key principles to solve potential problems before they could appear.
First, we built everything on poles. This creates airflow underneath the houses, preventing moisture from accumulating in the foundations and floors. Second, we chose wood as our primary building material — naturally breathable and warm, unlike concrete. Third, we designed outdoor tropical showers for each structure. Even though we’re on a subtropical island rather than a tropical one, it’s warm enough year-round for outdoor showers with hot water. This keeps humidity from building up inside the houses where we sleep and live. Fourth, we installed wooden stoves in every building. These serve double duty: they keep the spaces dry during the humid winter months and provide cozy warmth when temperatures drop.
First, we built everything on poles. This creates airflow underneath the houses, preventing moisture from accumulating in the foundations and floors. Second, we chose wood as our primary building material — naturally breathable and warm, unlike concrete. Third, we designed outdoor tropical showers for each structure. Even though we’re on a subtropical island rather than a tropical one, it’s warm enough year-round for outdoor showers with hot water. This keeps humidity from building up inside the houses where we sleep and live. Fourth, we installed wooden stoves in every building. These serve double duty: they keep the spaces dry during the humid winter months and provide cozy warmth when temperatures drop.
Our Blog
