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Bamboo Shutters and Rammed Earth Form a Sustainable Retreat in Portugal's Vineyard Landscape

Author:
Ana Lacerda
Bamboo Shutters and Rammed Earth Form a Sustainable Retreat in Portugal's Vineyard Landscape

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and bamboo shutters create a dialogue between light and shadow, enhancing energy efficiency within a rural retreat designed for comfortable living in Portugal's vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction contributes to thermal stability and energy efficiency.
02
Bamboo shutters create intricate shadow patterns while promoting natural ventilation.
03
Central skylight maximizes daylight penetration throughout the living spaces.
04
Local materials reflect regional building traditions and reduce environmental impact.
05
Design integrates with vineyard views, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
The Linear Shadows House is an architectural project located in the Douro region of Portugal, designed to integrate seamlessly with its rural setting while focusing on sustainability and functional living. The design promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape, utilizing natural light and shadow as fundamental components of the structure. The project is characterized by a thoughtful layout that divides spaces into private and public zones, optimizing both comfort and functionality.

The architectural design embodies the use of local materials, such as rammed earth, wood, bamboo, cork, and straw. This selection supports environmental sustainability while respecting the region's ecological context. The use of rammed earth offers thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency, and the wooden framework aligns with traditional building techniques prevalent in the area. Meanwhile, bamboo is employed innovatively for shutters, facilitating natural ventilation and light control.

Interior spaces are designed to leverage daylight and airflow, enhancing the living experience. The strategic placement of bedrooms, kitchens, and communal areas reflects careful consideration of sunlight patterns throughout the day, promoting a balanced indoor climate. The integration of a central skylight not only serves as a design focal point but also maximizes natural illumination, enriching the living environment.

The incorporation of unique design features, such as bamboo shutters and a sculptural skylight, sets the Linear Shadows House apart from conventional residential designs. The shutters optimize privacy while also creating dynamic shadow patterns that transform with the position of the sun. This attention to the interplay of light and shadow is crucial to the overall design philosophy, successfully marrying aesthetics with functionality.

Furthermore, the project emphasizes outdoor-indoor connectivity by incorporating large openings that lead to outdoor spaces, allowing for a fluid transition between the natural environment and the interior. This element encourages a lifestyle centered around the region's natural beauty, creating spaces that are both inviting and functional.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies and spatial concepts employed in the Linear Shadows House, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insight into this innovative project. Review these elements to fully appreciate the unique approach to contemporary architecture reflected in this design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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