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Rammed Earth Design with Scenic Views and Sunken Courtyard Experience

Authors:
Su yen Liew, Eduardo junn lee Pereira, Jackson soon theng Ooi, Tiffany man wah Wong
Rammed Earth Design with Scenic Views and Sunken Courtyard Experience

Project in-detail

The thoughtful use of rammed earth and natural materials creates a harmonious connection to the vineyard landscape, while the sunken courtyard and panoramic views enhance the guest experience at this wine hotel.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a sunken courtyard that doubles as an amphitheater for events.
02
The hotel features an Observation Tower providing 360-degree views of the vineyard.
03
Accommodations include a Master Suite with a dedicated terrace for small gatherings.
04
Rammed earth is used throughout the structure to promote sustainability and local craftsmanship.
05
The layout maximizes natural ventilation, enhancing comfort for guests year-round.

Vistas D'Oiro at Quinta do Monte D'Oiro is located in Portugal's wine country, surrounded by vast vineyards. The design serves as a wine hotel focused on enhancing the experience of visitors by connecting architecture with the natural landscape. The project aims to create spaces that engage the senses and reflect the unique attributes of the region.

Site Organization

The layout of the hotel follows the natural contours of the land, providing guests with unobstructed views of the surrounding vineyards. The staggered arrangement promotes good airflow, ensuring comfort throughout the building. Various access points allow for easy movement within the site, including a concealed service entrance that keeps operations away from guest areas.

Reception and Social Areas

Guests enter through a sunken courtyard designed for gatherings. This space effectively encourages social interactions while maintaining privacy for areas like the spa. Expansive windows flood common areas with natural light, enhancing the overall atmosphere and inviting visitors to enjoy the views outside.

Accommodations and Views

The hotel includes 40 rooms spread across four levels, offering a variety of accommodation types. The Master Suite on the top floor features panoramic vineyard views and a terrace suitable for small events. Each room is positioned to maximize visibility of the landscape, encouraging a strong connection between visitors and the natural surroundings.

Materials and Aesthetic Integration

The project uses stone, rammed earth, and white plaster, which reflect local building traditions. These materials provide durability and create a visual bond with the landscape. Their thoughtful application helps the building blend into its setting, reinforcing a sense of place.

Large windows frame the views, inviting the landscape into the interiors. This design choice enhances the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a calming environment for guests throughout their stay.

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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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