In the first phase of building at Quinta within a maximum of one year, we aim to implement the following milestones:

Permaculture design: A comprehensive permaculture design plan can be completed, providing a blueprint for sustainable development of the site.

Project management: A local team can be established to manage and implement the initial phases of the project on-site.

Water management: Efficient water management using all sources, including 3.5 water mines, road run-off and strategies to mitigate flooding in the lowlands. Checking the safety of digging holes from the top of water mines.

Eucalyptus removal: Strategic removal of eucalyptus trees can begin, with sales of timber potentially providing revenue for other aspects of the project and using the remainder for firewood.

Site cleaning: Comprehensive cleaning around existing tanks and water sources to enable better observation and strategic planning of irrigation systems (both passive and active) and to facilitate the creation of additional storage facilities.

Access improvements: Identifying the need to expand car parking facilities and improve accessibility in and around the site to accommodate future developments and visitor traffic.

Fencing: Initial fencing of the property can be completed, potentially using existing materials like granite posts from the vineyard. The use of hedges, a combination of stone, earth and tree planting can be considered.

Vineyard conversion: Initial steps in converting the vineyard to a forest food garden can begin.

Electricity solution: A basic, ideally ecological, electricity solution can be implemented for essential needs.

Accommodation: Simple structures like glamping bell tents or domes can be set up to accommodate up to 30 people. In addition, ecological toilet facilities can be constructed to serve these groups, using sustainable systems such as composting toilets or other environmentally friendly solutions. An outdoor kitchen can also be established, potentially utilising solar cookers or other sustainable cooking methods.

Event organisation: With basic infrastructure in place, small-scale workshops and retreats can potentially begin towards the end of the first year.

Phase one of the project concludes with a fully operational foundation for Quinta de Sandelhas. This foundation enables the hosting of training programmes, retreats, as well as Erasmus+ programmes and exchanges. Additionally, it establishes a mutually beneficial partnership between Quinta de Sandelhas and O Mundo Somos Nós. In this partnership, Quinta provides the new physical space needed by O Mundo Somos Nós to conduct its educational activities. O Mundo Somos Nós, gains a dedicated location to host its own courses and Erasmus+ programmes. This arrangement allows O Mundo Somos Nós to expand its operational capacity, offering a suitable environment for its educational initiatives and international exchange activities. This partnership effectively combines O Mundo Somos Nós's educational expertise with Quinta de Sandelhas's physical resources, creating a synergy that supports both entities' goals.

Phase Two - Growth

The second phase of building in Quinta will be focused on more substantial development and expansion of the project:

New architecture PIP application: This involves submitting a request for prior information (PIP) to the local municipality. This step is crucial as it helps determine the feasibility of the proposed architectural plans and identifies any potential issues or requirements before proceeding with detailed designs. At this point in time, the PIP is already pre-prepared.

Develop final architectural plan: Once the PIP is approved, the next step is to create a detailed architectural plan. This will include comprehensive plans for all proposed structures, their layouts, materials to be used, and how they integrate with the existing landscape and permaculture design.

Funding application: With detailed plans in place, applications can be made for EU funding programs. These could include grants for sustainable development, education, or rural regeneration projects.

Initial structural development: This phase will see the start of major construction work. It begins with restoring the existing ruin, which could serve as a central building for the project. Following this, the focus will shift to building non-permanent structures like greenhouses and classrooms. These will be crucial for the educational aspects of the project.

Establishment of the new Learning Centre: The goal is to create a fully operational learning centre capable of accommodating 70 students. This phase focuses solely on constructing the physical structures. The Learning Centre's educational programs are already running at the current location, just 1 km away from this new facility.

Achieve total self-sufficiency: This goal involves implementing systems for energy production (likely renewable sources like solar), water management, food production, and waste management that allow the site to operate independently of external resources.

Ecological agricultural area and educational farm: This involves further developing the agricultural areas established in phase 1, possibly expanding them. The introduction of a small number of animals (poultry, sheep, donkeys, or ponies) will add a new dimension to the project, providing opportunities for animal husbandry education and potentially contributing to the site's self-sufficiency.

Construction of the Space of Silence facility: A simple but spacious wooden structure for a Space of Silence near the oak tree is what we have envisioned. This space will enrich the project by providing a dedicated place for introspection, inner connection, grounding and aligning with the land and Quinta itself.

This second phase represents a significant scaling up of the project, moving from basic infrastructure to a fully functional, self-sufficient educational facility. Hosting retreats, workshops and Youth Exchanges can be scaled up and the OMSN Learning Centre will provide an additional stream of income. This phase will require substantial planning, resources, and likely a longer timeframe than the first phase.

Phase Three - Expansion

The third phase will focus on establishing the Retreat and Training Centre, a cornerstone of Quinta's vision. Located in the flatter, more open and visible area to the west, this multi-functional facility will host diverse events, from intimate retreats to large-scale educational programs, while also serving the local community. The centre will feature versatile spaces including seminar rooms, workshop areas, contemplative spaces, a coworking area with work spaces, café, dining area, library including a Krishnamurti library, and a presentation hall.

Following the line of the existing terraces, the proposed buildings will create a new topography of walkable spaces on various levels between the closed volumes. This design emphasises small viewpoints nestled between trees and buildings, enhancing the connection with the natural surroundings. Sustainable design principles will be incorporated throughout, aligning with Quinta's ecological ethos.

Access to the Retreat Centre is planned from the north, where there is a dedicated space for car parking, ensuring easy accessibility for visitors and participants. This phase will significantly enhance the project's capacity for year-round programming, marking a major milestone in Quinta's evolution as a hub for holistic learning, sustainable living, and community engagement. The coexistence of the Training Centre with other activities open to the public will further strengthen Quinta's role as a vibrant community resource.

Phase Four - Settlement

The fourth phase, focused on building Residential Accommodation, would expand the site's capacity to host long-term residents, including staff, volunteers, and program participants. This phase involves the construction of more permanent housing structures, such as eco-homes, apartments, or co-living spaces, located to the east of the site in the area with the steepest slopes. This area, with its denser vegetation and less public exposure, ensures integration with the surroundings and privacy for the residential program.

The plan includes six to ten individual units and one unit with dormitories, all designed on stilts that rise above the topography. Access to these units is via a road connecting north and east, which also provides some car parking spaces close to the buildings. This phase would also incorporate the development of additional communal spaces to foster a sense of community among residents, such as shared gardens and outdoor gathering areas.

Infrastructure upgrades to support a larger permanent population, including enhanced water, waste, and energy systems, would be integral to this phase. The goal is to create a sustainable, comfortable living environment that supports the centre's mission of education, self-knowledge, and ecological harmony. When consolidated, these units will provide extended accommodation for various groups, including the Retreat Centre and Learning Centre staff, international volunteers, and long-term program participants, enhancing the site's capacity for immersive educational experiences and community living.

Explore Options to Join Us

We appreciate your interest in supporting our project. At this time, your support will directly fund Phase 1 of our project, which focuses on establishing essential infrastructure at Quinta de Sandelhas. This includes implementing permaculture design, setting up basic accommodations, creating an outdoor kitchen, and initiating our ecological agriculture initiatives.

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