TEA PLANTATION
+ SYNTHROPIC FOREST
+ SYNTHROPIC FOREST
ABOUT
THE PROJECT
THE PROJECT
TEA HOUSE
KABO
BIOPHILIC TREE CABINS
Fully off-grid houses on stilts, designed with biophilic principles, offer a tranquil space for private tea ceremonies and overnight stays. They are available to guests participating in our residencies, and workshops—multi-day immersive experiences designed to inspire learning, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature.
We aim to create a unique tourist destination that showcases biophilic architecture, integrates permaculture principles that help to restore and protect the land, and promotes an ecologically sustainable lifestyle — where nature and people are not adversaries, but mutual allies.
10 +
Tea house and shop with tea and pottery with a terrace
tea factory + event place
A multifunctional space that houses technical facilities for producing tea, permaculture research, workshops, lectures, concerts, and other events.
600 000
BENACID PLANT LAB
40 000 +
cultivating premium quality organic tea
syntropic and permaculture works aimed at restoring and regenerating the land, helping to resist floods and erosion
OUR APPROACHES
syntropic agroforestry
A regenerative farming method that mimics natural forest systems to restore soil, boost biodiversity, and grow food in harmony with nature.
biophilic
design
design
An architectural approach that connects people with nature through natural materials, light, greenery, and organic forms to improve well-being and sustainability.
permaculture
A design philosophy for creating self-sustaining ecosystems that integrate land, people, and resources in a way that’s efficient and resilient.
natural
buildings
buildings
Structures made from locally-sourced, low-impact materials like clay, straw, and wood — blending comfort, beauty, and ecological responsibility.
WHY TEA?
Now, we are witnessing a growing wave of tea culture across Europe. Consumers are increasingly focused on health-conscious lifestyles, organic and premium products, as well as ethical and sustainable production. Additionally, since the war, tens of thousands of people from Ukraine and Russia have relocated to Europe, bringing their tea knowledge and culture with them—opening tea houses, importing quality tea, and spreading this tradition further.
European consumers are actively looking for natural and organic alternatives. The European tea market reached approximately $4.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $6.8 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5–6%.
Meanwhile, Portugal—despite having the historic Gorreana plantation in the Azores—still lacks a fully integrated tea-growing and experiential concept on the mainland. We see a unique opportunity to create a tea farm, tea house, and immersive residency that brings together tradition and innovation in harmony with nature.
European consumers are actively looking for natural and organic alternatives. The European tea market reached approximately $4.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $6.8 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5–6%.
Meanwhile, Portugal—despite having the historic Gorreana plantation in the Azores—still lacks a fully integrated tea-growing and experiential concept on the mainland. We see a unique opportunity to create a tea farm, tea house, and immersive residency that brings together tradition and innovation in harmony with nature.
Chinese tea ceremonies first took root in Russia and later spread to Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries. Today, there are hundreds of offline tea houses and dozens of online retailers serving millions of passionate tea enthusiasts. The culture can be compared to that of specialty coffee: people invest in professional, traditional brewing tools—like teapots made from rare and expensive Yixing clay, tea trays, and other ceremonial items. Almost everyone is familiar with Pu-erh; it’s no longer exotic but part of daily life for many.
ABOUT US
Our team is made up of people with deep experience in tea cultivation, sales, and cultural education, along with backgrounds in off-grid solutions and sustainability. We were among the pioneers who helped shape and grow the premium tea market in our home countries, witnessing its rise from a niche interest to a cultural phenomenon. Now, we aim to promote and adapt this experience in Europe.
Meet the founders
KATERYNA YERMAKOVA
Founder.
Ex-owner of "CHAGUAN" tea house in Kyiv
Ex-owner of "CHAGUAN" tea house in Kyiv
JOAO FONCECA
Founder.
BENACID - sustainability consultancy company
BENACID - sustainability consultancy company
SERGEY SHEVELEV
Founder of
MOYCHAY - biggest tea house chain in the world.
MOYCHAY - biggest tea house chain in the world.
THE EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO US: WE BELONG TO THE EARTH
Chief Seattle
leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes
what is now the U.S. state of Washington
what is now the U.S. state of Washington
1786 to 1866
PARTNERS
United by a shared vision of sustainability, we collaborate with strong partners to build scalable, long-term projects. Rooted in circular economy principles, our initiatives aim to regenerate ecosystems, minimize waste, and create lasting environmental impact through innovation, resilience, and responsible resource use.
Wide cooperation
CREATIVE PARTNERS
Vista Alegre
Pottery Company Partner
Sunsay — Artist Partner
Miguel C. e Silva — Chef & Sommelier Partner
Pottery Company Partner
Sunsay — Artist Partner
Miguel C. e Silva — Chef & Sommelier Partner
PERMACULTURE SPECIALISTS
Geoff Lawton — Permaculture Specialist Partner
Silvia Floresta — Permaculture Specialist Partner
Silvia Floresta — Permaculture Specialist Partner
SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS
Project Kamp
Sustainable Living Partner
CLA (Chiangmai Life Architects)
Sustainable Architects Partner
Senmar
Natural Building Partner
Moein Nodehi
Biophilic Designer Partner
Sustainable Living Partner
CLA (Chiangmai Life Architects)
Sustainable Architects Partner
Senmar
Natural Building Partner
Moein Nodehi
Biophilic Designer Partner
