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Rammed Earth and Bronze Steel Create Sustainable Hospitality Amidst Vineyards

Authors:
Nigel Reading, Daniel Traficante, Duran Bezuidenhout, Azin Shameli
Rammed Earth and Bronze Steel Create Sustainable Hospitality Amidst Vineyards
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Constructed from local clay-limestone and bronze steel, the design forms an organic connection to the surrounding vineyards while providing a boutique hotel experience that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction utilizes local clay-limestone to blend the building with its surroundings.
02
Bronze steel elements enhance durability while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the landscape.
03
The design features enclosed courtyards that offer privacy and panoramic vineyard views.
04
Each area of the hotel is named after local grape varieties, connecting the space to regional viticulture.
05
Canopies symbolize the Tree of Life, providing shelter and cooling in the warm summer months.

The MdOIR project is located on Gold Mountain in the Alenquer region of Portugal, consisting of a boutique hotel, a Cellar Door Restaurant-Bar, and a Spa. The design connects to the surrounding landscape, taking inspiration from the natural forms of local vines and grapes. The overall concept emphasizes the idea of growth in nature and the communal experience of winemaking, creating inviting spaces for social interaction and cultural connection.

Integration with Landscape

The layout promotes a strong relationship with the environment. Arranged like a cluster of grapes, the design features an atrium lobby at its center, encouraging guests to engage with one another. Canopies are thoughtfully placed to represent the Tree of Life. These structures provide important wind protection and shade while enhancing the visual harmony of the site.

Spatial Arrangement

The inclusion of enclosed courtyards creates quiet spaces that enhance privacy and offer expansive views of the vineyards. These areas invite reflection and relaxation, blurring the lines between built spaces and nature. Play and pool areas are designed to encourage social activities, creating an atmosphere where visitors can interact with each other comfortably.

Material Selection

Materials chosen for the project reflect a focus on sustainability and regional character. Clay-limestone rammed earth, sourced from the site, provides a strong connection to the local geography. Durable bronze-tinted steel adds visual interest. The use of found oak timbers brings local craftsmanship into the design. Reconditioned brickwork from past buildings further emphasizes environmental responsibility and reduces waste.

Design Details

The hotel rooms transition from a circular shape reminiscent of grapes into form variations that evoke wine barrels. This design strategy allows for generous views of the vineyard landscape. Thoughtful attention to shape and layout highlights the area's cultural heritage. Each section of the project is named after grape varieties grown at Monte d'Oiro, grounding the architecture in the local viticulture and enhancing the guest experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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