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Terracotta Tiled Retreat Blending Local Stone with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Hospitality

Author:
Monika Kowalik
Terracotta Tiled Retreat Blending Local Stone with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Hospitality

Project in-detail

Combining terracotta tiles and local stone with vertical gardens, the design creates a harmonious retreat that emphasizes sustainability while providing communal spaces for guests to engage with the surrounding vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a combination of local stone and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features vertical gardens integrated into the building facade to promote biodiversity and soften the visual impact.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, which provide structural integrity while minimizing the carbon footprint.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior spaces.
05
Incorporates communal areas that encourage interaction among guests, enhancing the overall hospitality experience.
The architectural project "Humble Roots" is located in the Lisbon District of Portugal, nestled within a vineyard landscape. This hospitality complex serves as an integration of accommodation and communal spaces, designed with an emphasis on sustainability and community engagement. The project reflects a strong connection to its contextual environment, utilizing local materials and traditional architectural forms to create a cohesive structure that resonates with its surroundings.

Site Layout and Building Arrangement

The layout of "Humble Roots" consists of strategically placed buildings that enhance the interaction between the guests and the landscape. Each structure is oriented to maximize natural light and airflow, creating a comfortable internal environment while ensuring expansive views of the vineyards. The configuration includes residential units, communal gathering spaces, and service areas, fostering a sense of community among visitors. An emphasis on outdoor spaces allows for seamless transitions between built and natural environments.

Unique Materials and Design Approaches

The materiality of the project plays a crucial role in achieving its design objectives. Local stone forms the primary structural element, providing both durability and a visual connection to the landscape. Wood, sourced from regional forests, contributes to warmth and aesthetic appeal, while glass features prominently throughout the design, ensuring transparency and a visual link to the exterior. Terracotta tiles reference traditional Portuguese roofing, grounding the project in local heritage.

A distinctive feature of "Humble Roots" is its integration of green roofs and vertical gardens, enhancing biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability. The architecture minimizes energy consumption through passive design strategies that optimize solar orientation. These unique approaches differentiate the project from typical developments in the region and showcase a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Community Focus and Functionality

The design includes communal spaces, such as a restaurant and multifunctional areas, aimed at facilitating social interaction. These spaces are essential for fostering a sense of belonging among guests and integrating the project into the local community. The functionality of the design accommodates various activities, from relaxation to gatherings, all while maintaining a focus on the surrounding agricultural context.

For a deeper understanding of this project, including detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation further. Dive into the architectural ideas that shape "Humble Roots" and discover how it embodies a thoughtful approach to modern hospitality while respecting its environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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