This Master’s thesis explores the role of design in promoting sustainable practices through the innovative use of local resources in the Alentejo bioregion of Portugal, focusing on biomaterial experimentation with pine cones, a by-product of the pine nut industry. By integrating elements of Brazilian Modernism, the research contextualises design solutions within the Alentejo bioregion, demonstrating how localised approaches can promote environmentally conscious outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Using methodologies such as Material Driven Design (MDD) and Design Tinkering, the study emphasises the exploration of materials in their natural context. This approach positions design as an agent of change, promoting circularity and ecological awareness. The central question is: “How can I, as a designer, explore a specific territory through contextual and experimental design processes to better understand local resources? The research aims to enhance the functional and aesthetic value of local ecosystems and materials through innovative design practices.

A key focus is on bio-material experimentation with pine cones, with the aim of transforming them into functional and aesthetically meaningful materials that contribute to the local economy and support environmental conservation efforts. The research also incorporates Brazilian cultural elements, combining Alentejo vernacular architecture with modernist innovation to create regionally relevant solutions that respect cultural heritage while advancing material innovation and sustainability.

By aligning material experimentation with the specific context of the Alentejo, the research promotes sustainable, contextually appropriate designs that are rooted in the local environment. This work positions design as a medium for ecological and cultural understanding, advocating a future where innovation harmonises with natural