# Cork-Covered Hotels The 'Ecorkhotel' in Portugal is Inspired by Cork and Medieval Villages By Tiffany | Published 2013-12-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecorkhotel References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2013/12/16/ecork-hotel-in-evora-by-jose-carlos-cruz-arquitecto/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kymaia-hotel). The hotel is located in Portugal's Alentejo region and is [completely covered in cork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corka). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-tk), 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **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. - **Medieval-inspired Structures:** Possibility for creating unique, themed hospitality experiences by drawing inspiration from medieval village structures and incorporating historical elements into modern designs. - **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. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects can explore new design possibilities by incorporating cork as a cladding material and drawing inspiration from historical structures. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and resorts can differentiate themselves by embracing medieval-inspired designs and offering unique guest experiences that blend modern comfort with historical aesthetics. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cork-Clad Madrid Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-ee.md) - [Versatile Cork-Producing Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cork-as-a-material.md) - [Artful Cork Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-cortex.md) - [Minimal Cork Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-local-house.md) - [Cork Cladding London Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninas-house.md) - [Eco Cork Organizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cork-box.md) - [Sustainable Cork Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-for-the-trees.md) - [Sustainable Floating Cork Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-float-1.md) - [Warm Tonal Earthy Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aethos-ericeira.md)