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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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