ABSTRACT
Although the widespread application of the term sustainability to architecture is relatively recent, the principles we associate to this concept are very ancient. For instance, in vernacular constructions, built without any conscious theoretical knowledge, we can find the practical application of many principles that are now considered essential in architecture sustainability. This paper aims to present Fernando Távora's project for a holiday house in Ofír (1957/58) as an example of the way a modern architect, working in the mid-fifties of the 20th century, could learn from the lessons of sustainability presented by the vernacular culture of the north of Portugal, many years before. It is important to remember those lessons, because most of them are still valid, today.
