The origin of burel, the wool of the mountains

In the heart of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela, a rugged yet noble material is born: burel.
Made from local sheep’s wool, it once protected shepherds from the cold and the wind.
Thick, warm and waterproof, it was the fabric of mountain life.

For centuries, burel was part of Portugal’s rural identity. Then came synthetic fabrics and industrial modernity, and the tradition slowly faded.
Until two entrepreneurs decided to weave its story again.

A rebirth from the summit

In 2010, in the mountain village of Manteigas, Isabel Costa and João Tomás founded Burel Factory.
They restored an abandoned textile mill and brought its old looms back to life.
Their vision was to preserve heritage while reimagining it for the modern world.

Turning a shepherd’s cloth into a design material seemed bold, even impossible.
But the bet paid off.
Architects, designers and decorators quickly fell in love with burel’s raw beauty, durability and warmth.
It became a new symbol of Portuguese creativity.

Craftsmanship meets innovation

Every step of the Burel Factory process respects traditional methods.
The wool still comes from Serra da Estrela sheep, washed, carded, spun and woven locally.
The factory is a living museum, where artisans blend history with modern design.

Burel Factory also collaborates with contemporary creators to explore new uses for the fabric.
From furniture to fashion and acoustic panels, burel has evolved far beyond its rural roots.

Naturally sustainable

Burel is, by essence, an eco-friendly material.
It is 100 percent natural, biodegradable and locally produced.
No chemicals are needed, and leftovers are reused creatively.

The fabric’s insulating and acoustic properties make it ideal for interior design.
Hotels, offices and homes across Europe use it for warmth, comfort and character.

Burel Factory shows that sustainability and tradition can coexist beautifully.

Colors of the mountain

Burel’s colors come straight from nature.
Stone greys, moss greens, sky blues and sun yellows echo the landscapes of Serra da Estrela.
The brand combines these natural tones with bold modern hues to create a visual identity that is instantly recognizable.

Each creation captures the essence of the Portuguese mountains — pure, textured and timeless.

From the mountain to the world

Today, Burel Factory exports its creations to more than thirty countries.
Its fabrics decorate hotels, museums and homes worldwide.
Boutiques in Lisbon and Porto showcase the brand’s spirit of innovation and authenticity.

Yet, the soul of Burel Factory remains in Manteigas, where the sound of the looms still fills the valley.
Every thread woven there carries the heartbeat of the mountain.

A living tradition with a future

Burel Factory is more than a company. It is a story of renewal, creativity and pride.
It proves that heritage, when nurtured with passion, can inspire the future.

Through wool, design and persistence, Portugal’s mountain spirit continues to shine — strong, natural and beautifully alive.