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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

Project in-detail

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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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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