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Carved Interiors Enhanced by a Thick Façade Overlooking Vineyards

Authors:
Jeroen Wouters, Roel Bekkers, Tijn Eerden
Carved Interiors Enhanced by a Thick Façade Overlooking Vineyards

Project in-detail

Carved out interior spaces referencing local winemaking traditions are framed by a thick façade that protects from sunlight, all while offering sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards in a boutique hotel setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carved interior spaces that evoke the shape and texture of wooden barrels used in local winemaking.
02
A thick façade designed to shield hotel rooms from direct sunlight while maximizing views.
03
Pathways that perforate the building, creating outdoor terraces and enhancing landscape connectivity.
04
Sculptural forms that respond to the gentle slopes of the vineyard landscape.
05
Rooftops inspired by local architecture, featuring varying shapes that blend with the surrounding environment.

Quinta do Monte d'Orio is located about 60 km north of Lisbon, set within a vibrant vineyard landscape. The design emphasizes a connection between existing historical structures and new elements, creating a unified space that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Inspired by the region's wine culture, the project facilitates movement and views through pathways that guide visitors through the scenic surroundings.

Site Integration

The concept focuses on merging the built environment with the natural topography. The new buildings display sculptural characteristics, responding to the gentle slopes of the land. This design approach establishes a clear distinction between modern forms and traditional elongated structures, fostering a dialogue between different architectural styles.



Pathway Design

A key feature of the design is the pathway that links various areas within the site. The path not only supports circulation but also provides multiple opportunities to appreciate the vineyard views. By cutting through the hotel building at several points, it encourages interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, giving visitors constant access to the surrounding landscape.



Interior Spaces

Inside the hotel, the design reflects local winemaking traditions. The carved-out interior spaces echo the shapes of wooden barrels used for fermentation, forming a connection to the area's heritage. This choice enriches the guest experience, inviting them to engage with the rich history of the vineyard while enjoying modern comforts.



Materiality and Façade

The project features a thick façade that offers protection from sunlight while maintaining structural strength. Carefully positioned openings allow natural light into the interiors while preserving views of the landscape. This thoughtful design decision highlights a concern for environmental conditions and promotes comfort within the hotel.



The roofing design aligns with the smaller structures found in the area, featuring various shapes that contribute to the overall harmony of the setting. This consideration reinforces the link between the architecture and its context, creating a clear relationship with the natural beauty of the vineyard surroundings.

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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

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