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Frosted Windows Framing Intimacy in Clustered Community Spaces

Authors:
Mark Chalhoub, Lejla Sejdinovic, Niyousha Ahmadi Naeini
Frosted Windows Framing Intimacy in Clustered Community Spaces
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Clusters of rooms framed by frosted windows create a sense of intimacy and community, offering a modern hospitality experience deeply rooted in Portuguese vernacular design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Clusters of hotel rooms resemble traditional calçada stones, enhancing cultural connection.
02
Frosted windows create a balance of light and privacy within communal spaces.
03
Small laneways encourage social interaction and exploration among guests.
04
Design incorporates meeting spaces, fostering community engagement and connection.
05
Natural vegetation influences interior light patterns, enriching the guest experience.

The Monte D'Oiro Hotel showcases a design that reflects the principles of Portuguese vernacular architecture. Located in a natural landscape, the hotel features a layout that balances guest accommodation with communal spaces. This design concept emphasizes the importance of community and interaction while connecting with the cultural heritage of the region.

Spatial Organization

The hotel consists of clusters that include three to four individual hotel rooms, reminiscent of local calçada stones. This arrangement creates an inviting and cozy atmosphere, allowing guests to feel both private and connected. Small laneways between the clusters guide movement through the site, offering different views and enhancing the visual experience as guests navigate their surroundings.

Circulation and Interaction

An important feature of the hotel is its circulation plan. Pathways thread through the building in a way that opens into small meeting spaces. This design choice shifts the typical hotel experience, encouraging guests to gather and engage with one another. These meeting areas foster a sense of community, making interactions feel effortless and natural.

Light and Ambiance

Generous frosted windows are placed throughout the clusters, allowing soft light to wash over the interiors. This strategic placement not only brightens the rooms but also provides privacy. The interplay of light and shadow, created by the surrounding vegetation, adds depth and character to the spaces, making for a pleasant atmosphere at different times of the day.

Functional Diversity

Inside the Monte D'Oiro Hotel, various areas like the spa, dining hall, and event spaces each serve distinct functions while maintaining a connection to local design principals. This functional diversity ensures that the hotel can adapt to different guest needs effectively. Each space contributes to an overall cohesive experience, marrying comfortable hospitality with cultural resonance.

Communal outdoor areas invite guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings, framed beautifully by the architectural form.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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