Taking inspiration from the structure of medieval villages in Alentejo in the South-Central region of Portugal, "where it was common to find a main complex or castle, and several white buildings around it," according to the project's site, the 'Ecorkhotel' was designed by Portuguese architect José Carlos Cruz. The imposing structure contains a restaurant, a recreational complex fitted with up to 56 hotel suites in the form of bungalows.
The hotel is located in Portugal's Alentejo region and is completely covered in cork. On the reason why Cruz decided to use cork as the main component in the construction of the hotel, he says, "[o]ne of our intentions was to promote cork as a cladding material, it's a good thermal insulator and is also recyclable."
The two story recreational complex incorporates conference rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a gym and spa facilities with views of the Alentejo landscape.
Cork-Covered Hotels
The 'Ecorkhotel' in Portugal is Inspired by Cork and Medieval Villages
Trend Themes
1. Cork-covered Architecture - Opportunity for architects and designers to explore the use of cork as a sustainable and aesthetic cladding material in various architectural projects.
2. Medieval-inspired Structures - Possibility for creating unique, themed hospitality experiences by drawing inspiration from medieval village structures and incorporating historical elements into modern designs.
3. Sustainable Building Practices - Demand for eco-friendly construction methods and materials like cork, which offer thermal insulation and recyclability, to meet the growing interest in sustainable buildings.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can explore new design possibilities by incorporating cork as a cladding material and drawing inspiration from historical structures.
2. Hospitality - Hotels and resorts can differentiate themselves by embracing medieval-inspired designs and offering unique guest experiences that blend modern comfort with historical aesthetics.
3. Construction Materials - Opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers to cater to the demand for sustainable building materials and promote the use of cork as a viable option for cladding and insulation.