Alcochete, by the Tagus estuary
Architect Ana Pinho is based in Pinhal Novo, a short distance from Alcochete, and works on projects in the municipality in person, visiting the plot and the works whenever the project calls for it.
Three parishes and a nature reserve
The Alcochete municipality has three parishes: Alcochete, Samouco and São Francisco. It lies on the south bank of the Tagus estuary, and part of its territory is within the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, one of the most important wetlands in the country.
If you want to build, extend or renovate, that matters. Inside the reserve and along the riverside, building follows its own rules, constraints such as the National Ecological Reserve (REN) and the public water domain apply, and some applications need an opinion from ICNF, the national institute for nature conservation and forests. On low-lying plots near the river, flood risk can also shape the project.
Before buying a plot in the municipality, it is worth confirming whether it lies inside or outside the reserve: the answer changes almost everything that can be done there.
The old centre of the town
In the old centre of Alcochete, works on older houses need care: keeping the character of the street while bringing comfort, light and insulation inside. A good renovation often starts by understanding what the house already does well, such as the thickness of its walls or the orientation of its windows, before deciding what to change.
Outside the centre, between Samouco, São Francisco and the residential areas, the work leans more towards new houses, extensions and interiors.
Who appraises the projects
Building applications are appraised by the Câmara Municipal de Alcochete (the municipal council), under the municipality’s master plan (PDM) and, where they apply, the reserve’s rules. Ana prepares the application, coordinates the specialist engineering projects and follows the appraisal until the decision.
What Ana does in Alcochete
- Renovation: older houses in the town, with a diagnosis before any works.
- New build: houses on plots and land where the rules allow it.
- Extensions: another floor, a room or an annex.
- Legalisation: annexes and changes made without a licence.
- Interior design: rooms, materials, light and bespoke furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build near the nature reserve?
It depends on exactly where the plot is. Inside the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve and along the riverside the rules are restrictive; elsewhere in the municipality, the PDM is what mainly applies. Analysing the plot answers this before any project.
I want to remodel a house in the town centre. Do I need a licence?
It depends on the works. Interior changes that do not touch the structure, the height, the shape of the façade or the shape of the roof may be exempt from prior control; others need a prior notice or a licence from the Câmara Municipal de Alcochete.
Does Ana travel to Alcochete?
Yes, whenever the project calls for it. Alcochete is close to Pinhal Novo.