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Stepped Brick and Wood Units Creating Community Spaces in Countryside Hospitality

Author:
Ahmed Elmaghraby
Stepped Brick and Wood Units Creating Community Spaces in Countryside Hospitality
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Composed of stepped brick and wood units that enhance community interaction, the design integrates with the natural landscape to provide a distinctive hospitality experience in the countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Composed of individually designed units resembling birdhouses.
02
Incorporates a central stepped plaza for community interaction.
03
Features a sky bridge connecting key amenities.
04
Uses a robust brick shear wall for structural integrity.
05
Emphasizes access to natural landscape views from all units.

The Monte D'Oiro Wine Hotel is located in the scenic area of Lisboa Estremadura, Portugal. It offers a fresh take on hospitality design through a layout made up of separate units. These units resemble simple birdhouses, which bring a sense of individuality to each guest's experience. The design flows with the natural contours of the landscape, aiming to strengthen the connection between visitors and nature while providing various amenities.

Architectural Layout

The design includes several key elements, such as a reception area, terrace, hotel rooms, and a central plaza. There is also a designated Zone 6 that features a spa, indoor pool, gym, and club. This layout encourages social interaction among guests while allowing easy access to outdoor views and spaces. A stepped plaza serves as a central meeting point, inviting visitors to enjoy the surroundings while connecting them to important facilities via a sky bridge.

Material Use

Materials chosen for the Monte D'Oiro Wine Hotel emphasize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The building primarily utilizes a brick shear wall to provide strength and stability. Above this, a wooden structure supports the second and third floors. This combination of materials not only meets construction needs but also reflects the rural character of the area, helping the building relate to its environment.

Diverse Building Types

The design features various types of units, including hotel rooms, standalone small buildings, and duplex accommodations. Each type is carefully planned to ensure comfort and privacy. The arrangement includes living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, and terraces, all designed for practical use and interaction. This thoughtful setup fosters a sense of community and belonging among guests while respecting their individual choices.

Recreational Amenities

Within the hotel, multiple recreational features enhance the guest experience. These include playgrounds, pool areas, and event spaces that allow for different forms of interaction. By providing these amenities, the hotel can cater to a range of visitors, from families to individuals looking for relaxation. The focus on shared spaces supports the hotel’s mission to create memorable experiences for its guests.

Natural Elements

The Monte D'Oiro Wine Hotel thoughtfully integrates natural design elements throughout its layout. The stepped design and open plazas encourage visitors to connect with the landscape. Terraces extend into the outside space, and large windows frame beautiful views, helping to blur the lines between inside and outside. This approach reinforces the essence of connection and community within the hotel, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding environment.

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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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