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Biophilic Retreat Featuring White Concrete and Expansive Glass Integration in Portugal's Vineyards

Author:
Natalia Ottonello
Biophilic Retreat Featuring White Concrete and Expansive Glass Integration in Portugal's Vineyards

Project in-detail

With its seamless integration of white concrete and expansive glass that frames the breathtaking vineyard views, the architectural design provides a tranquil retreat that emphasizes biophilic connections while serving as a distinguished hotel in Portugal’s wine region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to enhance structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates extensive glazing to provide unobstructed views of the surrounding vineyards, fostering a strong connection to nature.
03
Employs white concrete for its durability, creating a modern and minimalistic exterior that integrates with the landscape.
04
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction and effective thermal insulation.
05
Features charred wooden shingles as a distinctive cladding choice, contributing to the building's weather resistance and visual texture.
The Monte D’Oiro Wine Hotel serves as a refined architectural endeavor, situated within the scenic Lisbon Wine Region. This project reflects a thoughtful integration of contemporary architecture with the natural landscape, striving to create a space that is not only visually appealing but also functional. It encapsulates a unique approach to hospitality, prioritizing a close connection to the surrounding environment while enhancing the overall guest experience.

The design of the Monte D’Oiro Wine Hotel embraces the principles of biophilic architecture, aiming to establish a dialogue between the built environment and nature. This approach highlights the importance of creating spaces that foster a sense of well-being and tranquility for guests. The hotel consists of various zones that cater to different activities, ensuring an array of options for relaxation and enjoyment. These zones encompass reception areas, accommodation, dining facilities, wellness offerings, and event spaces, all designed to facilitate seamless movement and interaction.

A notable aspect of the project is its modular layout. This innovative design choice allows flexibility, enabling the hotel to adapt to changing demands or future expansions. Each zone is carefully organized to enhance accessibility and flow, promoting a user-friendly environment that accommodates both individual needs and communal activities. Particular attention has been given to the circulation patterns that connect the spaces, further enhancing the architectural experience.

Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the aesthetic and functional qualities of the hotel. The implementation of white concrete across the façades not only delivers a sleek and modern appearance but also provides durability and resilience against the elements. Additionally, the use of wood for decking in outdoor areas creates a warm ambiance that complements the natural surroundings, offering guests an inviting atmosphere. Large glass elements are strategically incorporated to maximize light and provide panoramic views of the vineyards, thus blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.

What sets the Monte D’Oiro Wine Hotel apart is its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. The design thoughtfully considers the landscape, allowing for natural elements to become integral to the architectural experience. Expansive windows and outdoor terraces serve to immerse guests in the beauty of the local environment, encouraging exploration and interaction with the vineyard scenery. This deliberate connection not only enhances the aesthetic value of the space but also promotes relaxation and well-being.

The project successfully combines luxury with functionality, offering diverse amenities to cater to a variety of guest preferences. The outdoor recreational spaces, including gardens and pools, alongside wellness facilities such as a spa, present an all-encompassing retreat for visitors. The carefully designed event spaces further highlight the versatility of the hotel, allowing it to host a range of functions and gatherings while maintaining a cohesive design language throughout.

In essence, the Monte D’Oiro Wine Hotel stands as a testament to modern architectural ideologies that prioritize the relationship between the natural landscape and built forms. It effectively represents contemporary hospitality design, fostering an enriching environment for guests through its well-thought-out layout and material choices. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and more intricate architectural designs and ideas of this project, further examination of the hotel presentation is encouraged to gain deeper insights into the unique aspects of this endeavor.
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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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