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Naturally Weathered Stone and Pine Retreat Embracing Rustic Charm and Community Engagement

Author:
Luís Martins
Naturally Weathered Stone and Pine Retreat Embracing Rustic Charm and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced stone and warm pine, the design integrates seamlessly with its rural backdrop, fostering community connection in a guest house that invites both rest and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone and pine to resonate with regional architecture.
02
Innovatively incorporates a bent A-frame design for enhanced structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features large glass panels that create a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.
04
The design includes community-oriented spaces that foster social interaction among guests.
05
Employs sustainable construction practices, integrating thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
The House and The Cellar is a thoughtfully designed guest house located in the serene interior of Portugal, serving as a retreat for the Verde family and their guests. This architectural project artfully combines the essence of traditional Portuguese rural architecture with contemporary design principles, creating a harmonious space that reflects local culture while meeting modern hospitality needs.

One of the primary functions of this architectural design is to provide a comfortable and inviting environment for guests. The layout is organized around a dual structure, encompassing both a living area and a working space dubbed "the cellar." This thoughtful division not only accommodates the practical requirements of hospitality but also resonates with the traditions of local homes, where family and community life are central to the experience.

The architectural design speaks to the importance of community, promoting interaction and engagement among guests. The structure's open-plan approach facilitates socialization, with communal spaces designed for gatherings and shared meals. This layout is complemented by strategically placed outdoor seating areas, taking advantage of the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, thereby establishing a seamless connection between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.

Materiality plays a key role in the design. The use of local stone for exterior cladding reflects a reverence for traditional craftsmanship and provides thermal stability and durability. Wooden elements, particularly pine, are utilized both in roofing and internal paneling, introducing a natural warmth to the interiors. Roofs made of clay tiles further anchor the structure in its regional context, enhancing its rustic appearance. Cement board is incorporated in structural components, ensuring longevity while maintaining an aesthetic that aligns with the overall design language. Expansive glass openings are used to invite natural light and frame picturesque views, reinforcing the connection to the landscape and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Architectural details within the project reveal a commitment to quality and authenticity. The sloped roofs not only offer functional benefits such as efficient drainage but also contribute to the architectural silhouette, which is both pleasing and contextually appropriate. Features such as vertical chimney stacks and overhangs add visual interest and complexity to the building's profile, highlighting a narrative of tradition amidst modernity. The smart integration of landscaping with the chosen vegetation complements the architecture, creating an inviting atmosphere that immerses guests in the natural beauty of the region.

The design of The House and The Cellar demonstrates unique approaches in its synthesis of local materials and forms with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in a space that is both functional and reflective of its cultural backdrop. This project emphasizes sustainability, encouraging the use of local resources and landscape conservation practices that resonate with today's environmental considerations.

Through careful planning and execution, The House and The Cellar exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can create meaningful spaces that foster community and connection. Visitors are encouraged to delve deeper into this architectural project by exploring the full presentation, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that enrich the understanding of its unique contributions to contemporary hospitality in Portugal.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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