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Balconies Overlooking Green Roofs with Mass Timber Structure

Author:
Catarina Alcântara martins
Balconies Overlooking Green Roofs with Mass Timber Structure

Project in-detail

With a mass timber structure and landscaped roofs, the design creates an immersive winery experience in Portugal, offering accommodations that connect guests with the surrounding vineyard and natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mass timber structure promotes sustainability and enhances thermal performance.
02
Landscaped roofs feature small gardens, enhancing biodiversity and guest experience.
03
Accommodation blocks are designed to offer varied heights for diverse views.
04
Upper-level rooms utilize a two-level layout to maximize natural light.
05
The ancient structure serves as a visual anchor and guiding landmark on the site.

The Monte D' Oiro Wine Hotel is located in a picturesque area known for its rich tradition of winemaking. The design aims to create an enjoyable winery experience by combining elements of old architecture with modern style. The concept focuses on connecting visitors with the natural surroundings while respecting the historical importance of the location.

Design Approach

The project brings together historical and contemporary features, with an ancient structure at the highest point acting as a key reference point. Pathways throughout the site lead guests from the old part to the new, encouraging exploration and interaction with the landscape. The varied terrain is effectively used to design separate accommodation blocks, each one offering unique views of the vineyard and the surrounding environment.

Arranging the Accommodations

The accommodation is organized into different blocks that cater to various guest needs, enhancing the overall experience. Each block features landscaped roofs that include small gardens, adding greenery to the environment. The upper-level rooms are designed with a two-level layout to allow natural light to enter the lower spaces, cleverly addressing the slopes of the site.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for the project are key to creating a warm atmosphere. Mass timber structures and wooden facades are used to amplify the rustic feel of the area. Stone tiles are primarily found on floors and important walls, providing comfort and aesthetic appeal that complement the surroundings. This selection of materials demonstrates a commitment to both design integrity and the local context.

Enhancing Spatial Experience

The design promotes a clear connection between inside and outside spaces. Balconies provide a way for guests to engage with the environment directly. Each accommodation block is arranged to descend in height, which creates different visual experiences. The overall design emphasizes comfort while encouraging guests to appreciate the landscape and the thoughtful integration of nature and architecture.

Attention to detail in layering architectural elements and landscape features contributes to a rich environment that invites guests to enjoy the blend of nature and design.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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