Preserving vernacular architecture with environmental concerns for sustainable tourism can be a very broad subject. This thesis explained the importance of doing it in Portugal and provided some guidelines for a case study in a farm called Quinta da França where Casa dos Eucaliptos is located.        Quinta da França farm is located in the north center of Portugal and will be adapted for sustainable tourism. It has 24 stone houses that represent the regional vernacular architecture. These houses were originally designed in relationship with the closest environment. One of those houses was chosen for a summer camp facility.     Casa dos Eucaliptos was studied in order to be restored and adapted for new tourist purposes in a way the integration with the surrounding environment is respected and the comfort is improved.             The first phase consisted of trying to improve the thermal comfort by: analysing the climate in the region which concluded that solar gains should be increased in Winter time and thermal mass used in summer time. simulating the house in Calpas, which predicted a very high heating load and a moderate cooling one applying the strategies to the improved case and simulate it in Calpas The solar gains could be increased in two different scenarios: a more conservative and a more critical one.		Portugal and the central region Quinta da França farm and Casa dos Eucaliptos Casa dos Eucaliptos before and after     Thermal comfort in Casa dos Eucaliptos Psychrometric chart for Cova da Beiraclimate
The clerestory window strategy and sunspace strategy are examples of these two different attitudes. Although one is more efficient than the other they perform differently depending on the season.    A clerestory window is more efficient in summer and the sunspace in the winter. The clerestory window provides less heat but a very efficient cross ventilation while the sunspace improves solar gains significantly. A radiant floor can complement the heating supply together with the fireplaces. This system can be backed up by solar panels.               In what concerns daylighting, the clerestory can provide enormous improvements although electric lighting will always be necessary in summer time, increasing the cooling load. In Casa dos Eucaliptos, the users have an important role to play. The thermal light and indoor air quality depend on the operation of shutters, windows and lights. For example exposing the thermal mass in summer and covering it in winter (eg. Carpets or furniture) can provide even more comfort in extreme situations not predicted in Calpas program.           Outdoor spaces were considered important to provide comfort in summer when summer camps occur. A cool tower and lightweight structure can provide both shade, humidity and air movement, in the food court space. The cool tower can also provide some cooling to indoor spaces if the dining room window close to the tower is open so that air flows also into the house.		Clerestory window facing south:  improving solar gains and cross ventilation Sunspace facing south: improving solar gains   Clerestory window: improving daylighting   Cool tower and lightweight structure: improving outdoor summer comfort
Materials is an issue that was also considered. Low embodied materials were chosen using the EPM method (Environmental Preference Method). Alternative building materials like rammed earth, straw bale were considered for both interior and exterior application. Technology devices like solar panels and pvs should be placed in a solar park. Landscaping was also taken into account eg. the use of native plants and water conservation techniques are recommended. The performance of Casa dos Eucaliptos will require some understanding from the users as how it actually works. This thesis also contains a manual to be provided to the users.