There's plenty of beautiful boutique hotels around the world, our neighboring "Sublime" hotel just won the first WTA (World Travel Awards) prize as "2020 Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel" and we feel there's no need to add one more to the list, therefore the focus here is on achieving some really key outcomes with the architectural design to position our resort at another level and make a difference. The goal is, thanks to an outbreaking design, to be at the top in terms of sustainable architecture and set new standards for luxury sustainable developments. But we also want to be able to create a model that distinguishes our project from the rest by providing a concept of space that, like no other, blurs the typical spatial limits of a conventional building for the guests to be totally at one with nature on the ultimate immersive escape.
Null Stern Hotel Switzerland
Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland
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“Monte da Gala” is a high-end 100% off-the-grid sustainable development comprising two villas and 14 detached fully self-catering Greenhouse suites, within 8.2 hectares/20,26 acres of gorgeous land, surrounded by eucalyptus, pine trees, and cork oaks.
Condo Resort Masterplan
Total Area 8.2Ha
An emblematic Alentejo picture where the forest-meets-the-beach.
Lost in the middle of the woods, away-from-it-all,
and yet a relatively short drive away from Comporta village
This first house, designed and built by the owner himself is wood, corten steel, glass cabin of 124m2
with two bedrooms en-suite
and an open-plan space with a kitchen, dining
and living area.
Inspired by Modernist Architecture, with Philip Johnson's Glass House and Mies van der Roe's Farnsworth House in mind, this first basic and rustic prototype unit design will apply to the other two houses.
While the construction of the first unit was completely made out of wood, the key feature of the new upgraded design will be the exposed pre-engineered corten-steel structure, linear, and modular to minimize construction time and building costs.
The prefab elements are delivered straight from the factory and assembled on-site in a very short timeframe keeping waste to a minimum, thus making the project more environmentally friendly when compared to conventional buildings.
As a matter of fact, in a controlled factory setting, a highly efficient material utilization where all the building materials are fully recyclable qualifies the building as highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
This construction typology produces much less debris than a traditional building avoiding the treatment and removal of them, the shorter construction time allows lowering substantially the carbon footprint minimizing the transport of the workforce and shipment of building materials.
More pictures of this house at the following links:
The foundations are steel screw piles (KSF M76x2100),
and the building stands above ground level at a height of ca 60cms, depending on the slope of the land, having a zero ground impermeabilization coefficient with no soft or hard land grading, no harm to tree roots, or any other kind of plants, etc.
The need for area preparation compared to a conventional foundation with concrete slabs is minimized, another significant asset for saving construction costs and execution time, thus reducing to a minimum the environmental impact.
From the point of view of environmental sustainability, there are many benefits in preserving the building site in its natural state not reducing the surface of the ground area absorbing rainwater keeping a certain height of the building from the ground level, it also helps in protecting the structure from the ground moisture and from rain floods (rare event though), making it more durable and reliable with less maintenance.
Compared to the rustic glass cabin already built, the new buildings will have top-notch materials and finishings and exposed prefab corten-steel structure, and, as the external glass walls, also the roof will be an endless skylight, a full transparent glazed structure to maximize the symbiosis with the pristine natural surroundings and the healing benefit of the Portuguese bright light.
Please check the following link
Also, in this case, the foundations are screw piles with an easy and quick installation (a team of two persons lays the foundations of one building in a single day!) that can be easily removed if needed. The building will stand above ground level at a height of ca 60cms, having a zero ground impermeabilization coefficient with no soft or hard land grading, no harm to tree roots, or any other kind of plants, etc.
It is a steel prefab structure (IPE200) that comes in an assembly kit that enables for an extremely quick and clean construction process, also completely removable if needed, scoring the lowest carbon footprint of all for a building of such dimensions.
All the sanitary wares, kitchen equipment, lighting fixtures, and loose furniture are top-notch, within the best available on the market.
https://www.behance.net/GREENHOUSE
The restaurant like other services aren't mandatory to license the project, compared to a "Hotel Rural", but we'll build it anyway and will be a detached unit with its own direct access from the public road, yet directly linked to the resort with private access for our guests.
A positive aspect of being all the rental units fully self-catering is that all the functions, areas, and situations typical of a normal hotel or resort, where guests gather can be avoided at the choice of the guests who may decide to isolate themselves in their private oasis, thus responding to the social distancing regulations imposed by the pandemic and the "new normal".
This will be the first and, as of now, sole "Adult Only" resort in this area while the restaurant, with its independent and direct access from the public road, welcomes guests of all ages.
Erasmus Students Residence Hall in Lisbon
Biophilic Apple Store by Foster+Partners
Naman Retreat Pure Spa Vietnam
"A true space where all senses are touched and the mind comes to peace…"
Urban Spa Relaxing Room
Please check the following link
for the full design of plot 1 (P1/B) second unit
Plot 2 (P2) with an area of ca 4.220m2 has a glasshouse of 336m2 with 5BR en-suite.
More pictures of this unit at the following links:
and this other link below for a walkthrough video
The owner is an industrial designer with a soft spot for residential architecture and hospitality industry architecture and design.
He traveled extensively around the world scouting for the ideal place where to develop a hospitality project and finally choose Portugal and Comporta to start with.
It could only be the best choice considering that Portugal for years has been at the top of the ratings as the best tourist destination, confirming itself as number one winner in the 2020 WTA (World Travel Awards)
Also, our neighboring Hotel Sublime won the first price as "Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel"
His dream has always been to build one or more small high-end sustainable resorts, this will be the first one.
The 14 suites:
The 14 suites:
x1 Master Suite of 228m2 with an outdoor lap pool (12m x 4m) and an indoor pool (7,3m x 3,3m),
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
x13 Suites of 120m2 with an outdoor lap pool (12m x 3m) and an indoor pool (4,2m x 3,28m),
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
With a very unconventional and groundbreaking design, this Greenhouse Living Concept, with a loadbearing structure built with galvanized steel beams (IPE200), will have the same identical module applied to all the different functions of the resort creating an economy of scale that will help to lower significantly the building costs, ease the building process, and significantly reduce construction times compared to a conventional structure.
Also, in this case, the foundations are screw piles with an easy and quick installation (a team of two persons lays the foundations of one building in a single day!) that can be easily removed if needed. The building will stand above ground level at a height of ca 60cms, having a zero ground impermeabilization coefficient with no soft or hard land grading, no harm to tree roots, or any other kind of plants, etc.
It is a steel prefab structure (IPE200) that comes in an assembly kit that enables for an extremely quick and clean construction process, also completely removable if needed, scoring the lowest carbon footprint of all for a building of such dimensions.
All the sanitary wares, kitchen equipment, lighting fixtures, and loose furniture are top-notch, within the best available on the market.
We won't only blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors by using a glass shell to maximize the connection with the surrounding nature, we'll also bring inside the "Greenhouse" an abundance of greenery that will define the space and provide the guests with a one-of-a-kind natural experience.
A good example of biophilic architectural design where not only the boundaries between in and outdoors are blurred but where nature enters inside and defines the space as in our suites
Greenhouse Taiwan
https://www.behance.net/GREENHOUSE
Moreover, the resort will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with Techno Gym, with an open feeling and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
and a yoga pavilion
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
The Gym and the Spa concepts will be developed in partnership with the "SpaWeLove" team, Hélio Ramos, fitness consultant, and Filipa Santos, SPA consultant, who will personally manage this service.
A good reference in terms of Spa services
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
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The Kitchen & Veggies Greenhouse.
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
All the Greenhouse buildings, attached to each vertical element of the structure will have climbing plants such as wisteria or jasmine which will partially cover the building with green, helping to blend in the natural environment.
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This will be a 100% off-the-grid sustainable resort.
From planning, through to construction and destination management, the project is grounded in sustainability and sustainable tourism in its fullest sense.
We aim to be at the top in environmental sustainability across planning, construction, and operation.
The design, especially regarding the engineering aspects of it, will be developed in partnership with the Greenhouse Living Team, a Swedish interdisciplinary team of consultants, with a view towards a truly sustainable, human, and eco-friendly built environment, that offers consulting services in greenhouse-architecture, sustainable urban planning, eco-cycle technology, sustainable construction methods, greenhouse technology, sustainable energy systems, life cycle analysis, and innovative solutions for urban food production.
This project aims to become a benchmark for eco-sustainable tourism and will apply for LEED certification (https://www.usgbc.org/leed) and other alike eco-rating systems. LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood's green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings.
Here is our benchmark
Europe's Leading Eco Resort for 2020, Arbatax Park Resort
Another good example in terms of sustainable tourism
As long as Portugal is the sunniest country in Europe, we'll make the best out of harvesting the abundant sunlight working together with a Dutch architect firm,
to design "Solar Trees" which will meet the power supply needs of the entire resort, not only preserving the aesthetic of the environment by not using conventional solar panels which turn out to be an eyesore, but adding aesthetical value in the form of beautiful sculptural elements shaped like trees.
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"Domotics"
"More and more digital hotels: check-in, check-out and mobile payments, electronic keys, smart rooms that can be managed by the customer with a smartphone or voice systems. And then, again, dedicated chats with staff, notifications and alerts on current events in the area, virtual concierges and services that can be ordered via mobile."
This article comprehensively summarizes my idea of digitizing hotel services and operational management.
It is clearly a promotion of Vodafone services
which are still very interesting and, obviously, this type of service is also offered by other companies/platforms, here are a couple of examples:
Domotics advisors for hotels
In the following article published before the outbreak of the pandemic, there are indications that I would like to implement in our project. Clearly, without taking into account the effects of the pandemic because the article was originally published before the pandemic outbreaking, the proposed solution here is a device that should be handled by all customers, but today all these commands are transferred to guests personal mobile devices with dedicated apps for a contactless experience.
However, a SuitePad could be provided for use by the resort's service staff.
Digitalization of operational management and guest services
Touchless Tech
Hygiene and sanitation of rooms and public spaces
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N.B. This project, initially to be licensed and built as "Hotel Rural", providing there's a house registered with land title, can now be developed into a "Casa de Campo", a different category that also enables to sell housing units with the Horizontal Property legal structure, but with a substantial simplification and reduction of technical requirements and project logistics compared to the "Hotel Rural" category, with considerable savings in costs and higher final profitability.
The restaurant like other services aren't mandatory to license the project, compared to a "Hotel Rural", but we'll build it anyway and will be a detached unit with its own direct access from the public road, yet directly linked to the resort with private access for our guests.
A positive aspect of being all the rental units fully self-catering is that all the functions, areas, and situations typical of a normal hotel or resort, where guests gather can be avoided at the choice of the guests who may decide to isolate themselves in their private oasis, thus responding to the social distancing regulations imposed by the pandemic and the "new normal".
It is inevitable that after several months of being restricted to indoor environments people will initially be concerned with density and how much interaction with strangers will be required should they stay at hotels.
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Anxiety will naturally increase as we begin tiptoeing out of our homes for the first time. As such, within the first few months of our transition back to the new normal, the use of biophilic design will certainly be a breath of fresh air and will likely place guests at ease when they visit properties other than their own home.
The benefits of investing in biophilic design, however, are certain to last longer than our memories of this pandemic as humans naturally return to nature for refuge and emotional well-being, which is, after all, the feeling we all wish to offer our guests when they stay with us.
Our objective is to attract customers who appreciate contemporary design more than the redundant decoration typical of a classic Grand Hotel, mainly in the age range thirty to sixty, of high economic, social and cultural status, who cherish the idea of being able to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in an exclusive and luxurious oasis, an ideal getaway in a green and unspoiled setting where we provide like no others a regenerating full immersion in the surrounding landscape.
This will be the first and, as of now, sole "Adult Only" resort in this area while the restaurant, with its independent and direct access from the public road, welcomes guests of all ages.
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Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. Used at both the building and city-scale, it is argued that this idea has health, environmental, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban environments. Although its name was coined in recent history, indicators of biophilic design have been seen in architecture from as far back as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
"Biophilic design is more than a room with a view,
it covers all the senses."
"A true space where all senses are touched and the mind comes to peace…"
How Hotels Are Integrating Biophilic Design
to Soothe Guests Post-COVID
Elle Decor Hotel Milano
Elle Decor Hotel Milano
Elle Decor Hotel Milano
"By incorporating natural elements within hotel interiors, we are able to reduce stress, provide an oasis of calm and ensure guests feel safe. Successful biophilic design is also proven to increase clarity of thought, productivity and creativity as well as improve quality of sleep."
"Among the key movements in design today is biophilia – the use of natural materials, natural light and plants to create a more pleasing and effective environment for the end-users of that built environment."
“Biophilia,” meaning “love of living things,” is a three-stranded design concept which incorporates natural materials and elements of nature into indoor spaces.
“The first is ensuring that a space puts you in direct contact with nature—whether that’s filling a house with plants or designing an office building around a living, growing atrium. The second strand is that biophilic design should embrace as many different elements that remind you of natural things—that could be natural patterns, raw materials, colors or textures. And the third strand is living in a way that connects a person to natural rhythms and outside spaces—so this could be using natural light effectively, ensuring a building has good views of nature or living more in tune with the seasons.”
"At the same time as architecture separates us from the natural world, it can also be a means of reconnecting us with nature."
"Biophilic Design Can Make a Splash in the Hospitality Industry
Of the following two options, which would a guest likely prefer?
The first hotel adheres to convention, with all the standard amenities a visitor would expect. It's comfortable but commonplace, with nothing out of the ordinary to note and hardly worth the time it takes to leave a review. Its design is safe and typical, with an appeal that's modern but hardly progressive.
The second hotel draws the viewer's attention, integrating greenery to achieve a harmonic balance between the natural and artificial. Clever infrastructure employs the landscape to incredible effect, and there's a powerful sense of serenity. It's a place not only to sleep, but also to rest and recover from the day."
"Biophilia (meaning love of nature) focuses on human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes.
It suggests that we all have a genetic connection to the natural world built up through centuries of living in agrarian settings."
"During the period of Pandemic, people created several new habits among which Well-being and Return to Nature have become the new essentials. In order to respond to those needs, hoteliers and architects are forced to find new ways to ensure sustainable, healthy and mentally stimulating spaces that will provide unique experiences and emotional well-being of guests. We are seeing Biophilic design as a solution to the post-Covid challenges."
"Our exploration of biophilic design trends has been exciting, and, in many ways, confirms what we’ve learned: biophilic design contributes to a memorable guest experience."
"It seems like every hospitality brand these days is eager to jump on the wellness bandwagon. Most do so by adding a gym or throwing a yoga mat in the room. But some luxury hotels are taking a more esoteric approach, namely through biophilic design."
"New research and industry trends suggest that hotels making room for nature can reap significant advantages."
"More than a Room with a View: Biophilia and Hospitality"
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Staff Housing (2 units) - 2BR, 122m2
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
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Staff Housing (1 unit) 1BR, 100m2
More pictures of this unit at the following link:
For the Staff Housing Units, is under analysis an alternative structure
with Flat-Pack Containers
Staff Housing - 1BR - 59,08m2 - Flat-Pack Containers
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Staff Housing - 2BR - 88,62m2 - Flat-Pack Containers
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Where We Are
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Browse through my Comporta Photo's Album
to savor the spirit of it
Check the link below
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Our nearest beaches
Aberta Nova
Praia de Melides
Praia da Gale'
Praia do Pinheirino
Praia do Carvalhal
Come and enjoy the beauty of this corner of Alentejo ,
be part of it!
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Comporta In The International Press
Check the link below
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Here below some videos about Comporta
Cidades de Portugal - Comporta
Destination Guide - Comporta
Secret Spots of Comporta - Travel Guide Near & Yonder
Comporta Retreat by Stone Capital
Destination Guide - Comporta
Secret Spots of Comporta - Travel Guide Near & Yonder
Comporta Retreat by Stone Capital
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It is a difficult time for the hospitality industry. What do you think will be the hospitality sector’s biggest challenge, post-Covid?
It is a difficult time for the hospitality industry as a business. At Corinthia we like to focus on people and on problems we can control, so while there are challenges emanating from restrictions on events, dining out and tourism, we are focused on bringing confidence back, both to our guests and to our staff.
How important is interior design within your hotels?
Design should always be the perfect balance of form and function, combined with an uplifting sense of occasion.
What’s one unexpected shift you’ve seen in guest expectations or demands in the last two years?
Consumer demand continues to evolve to a more discreet form of luxury. Increasingly our clients are seeking experiences and are more conscious in their decisions. They look for personalization, and to discover places that are off the beaten track.
The way luxury is viewed is also changing, with our clients expecting a form of luxury that goes beyond the aesthetics of a building – they are looking for meaningful connections and they want to know about our environmental commitments. We are also noticing a shift in guests wanting an increased amount of privacy, as well as a focus on wellbeing and family experiences.
Do you see a difference in what younger and older travelers expect from luxury?
Younger travelers are constantly seeking to learn and grow – they view travel as a major part of their development. Luxury, to them, is a means of self-discovery and challenge, and travel is more than just a relaxing break from their routine. They seek a luxury that is authentic and intimate. Younger, modern travelers are creating a luxury travel market that is much more dynamic, stimulating, and inspiring. My belief is that the product of the future will be focused on creating enduring moods of peace and happiness to outlast any photograph or visual memory.
What would be your dream hotel project?
I am inspired by smaller, boutique properties, and would love to work on a beach project and surrounded by nature. I envisage something spacious, with an open-plan interior so there is no barrier to the natural surroundings. The property would serve its own homegrown organic produce, and focus on sustainability and mindfulness.
What would you say are the three best places you’ve ever stayed?
First, Habitas,Tulum, Mexico. The sense of peace I felt there was remarkable. The team deliver experiential travel and provide guests with the opportunity to form meaningful connections and to feel at home. There is a sense of magic here which I have not felt anywhere else.
Next is Melides Art, Portugal – an inspirational place that combines the alchemy of art and nature.
Then there’s Belmond Timeo, Sicily. This will always be a special place for me, as it reminds me of my childhood holidays where I spent time with my family over the years.
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