A Project for Interior Regeneration

Following the founding of Cerdeira – Home for Creativity in 2012, José Serra returns to the heart of the Lousã Mountains with an even more ambitious project. An investor with extensive experience supporting tech startups, José leads this new venture alongside his son-in-law, Manuel Vilhena — co-founders of the initiative. Together, they propose a new model for ecological regeneration, rural innovation, and sustainable living. A place where people live, work, and care for the forest.

A Living Lab with International Design

With architecture by Kengo Kuma, the renowned Japanese architect behind iconic projects like the Gulbenkian Modern Art Center in Lisbon and the construction of the Portugal Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, the master plan includes the construction of a rural hotel, 35 sustainable homes, a retreat center, restaurant, library, coworking spaces, an interpretation center, and even a forest school. The vision is to create a new urban footprint, carefully integrated into the landscape. Originally planned with wooden structures, the project adapted to the region's fire risk by adopting passive construction techniques and materials that improve building resilience.

A Temporary Community with Deep Roots

The goal is not to attract casual tourists. Silveira Tech aims to host entrepreneurs, digital nomads, scientists, and researchers who choose to live in the villages for periods ranging from two weeks to nine months. It’s a temporary yet engaged community, participating in local life and regeneration efforts.

“They can work on their projects during the day and, in the evening, help plant trees, clear brush, or propose new regenerative actions,” explains Manuel Vilhena. Reconnecting with nature is a central pillar of the project.

This direct connection to place and its natural rhythms aims to generate not only environmental impact but also lasting bonds between people and territory. The ambition is to foster a resilient human ecosystem, where work, rest, and regeneration coexist in a rhythm more aligned with nature.

A Regenerated Landscape

Since 2023, the regeneration team has redesigned 15 hectares, converting monocultures of pine and eucalyptus into a diverse mosaic. Recovered terraces, new irrigation systems, and an expanding agroforestry system include a nursery of native species like oak, cork oak, elm, strawberry tree, lavender, and rosemary.

The experimental area “R1” functions as a living lab where ecological solutions are tested—soil composition, water retention, tree species. What works here will be replicated across the rest of the land.

Scale, Resilience, and Economic Value

With over 800 plots acquired, Silveira Tech already controls 85% of the project area. The goal is to scale land management, create resilient landscapes, and prove that forest regeneration can be both economically viable and sustainable.

In a region vulnerable to wildfires, the team has rehabilitated an unfinished water tank, turning it into a strategic reserve for fire prevention and agroforestry irrigation.