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Sunken Courtyards and Adobe Brick Create a Harmonious Hospitality Retreat

Author:
Meruert Zharekesheva
Sunken Courtyards and Adobe Brick Create a Harmonious Hospitality Retreat

Project in-detail

Sunken courtyards and angular volumes crafted from adobe brick create a distinctive blend of tradition and modernity in a hospitality retreat that connects visitors with the surrounding vineyards.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sunken courtyards enhance natural lighting and create private outdoor areas.
02
Solid adobe brick walls provide effective thermal insulation while linking to local traditions.
03
The design incorporates green roofs, supporting biodiversity and rainwater harvesting.
04
Angular volumes are carefully positioned to preserve the visual prominence of the historic chapel.
05
Each hotel room features a private loggia, offering unique views of the surrounding vineyards.

Hotel Pôr Do Sol is located in Quinta do Monte D'Oiro, surrounded by rolling vineyards that highlight the region's rich winemaking tradition. It serves as a retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and a deeper connection to nature. The design seeks to provide a modern hospitality experience while respecting the local heritage and environment.

Architectural Concept
The design consists of several angular volumes that interact with the landscape. These new buildings are intentionally kept lower than the existing chapel, allowing it to maintain its prominence within the scenery. This careful planning fosters a connection between the built structures and their natural surroundings. The arrangement not only preserves the site's historical elements but also encourages engagement with the outdoor environment.

Materiality
Solid adobe brick plays a central role in the construction of the hotel. This material provides effective thermal insulation, contributing to the building's energy efficiency. Using adobe brick links the design to regional traditions, reflecting an understanding of local architecture. Additionally, green roofs are incorporated, which support biodiversity and help collect rainwater, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability in the design.

Spatial Arrangement
Inside the hotel, the layout is designed to improve the guest experience. The reception area is set within a sunken courtyard, providing views over the vineyards and the surrounding landscape. Each hotel room features its own loggia, offering private outdoor spaces for relaxation. This connection to nature is a significant aspect, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay.

Public Areas and Amenities
The hotel includes various public spaces, such as the Dining Hall and Recreational Area, linked by covered walkways. This connection facilitates easy movement throughout the facility while encouraging social interaction among guests. The landscape features gardens and water elements, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere and enhancing the natural beauty of the site.

A notable detail of the design is the sunken swimming pool garden. This feature allows natural light and air to flow freely, creating a quiet and serene space for guests. The integration of these thoughtful elements exemplifies how careful design can enhance the overall experience of a place.

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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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