In 2005, the journey of the L'AND Wine Hotel began, a collaborative effort between a family-based agro-business and PROMONTORIO architects to marry the rural charm of wine and olive oil production with a leisure destination.
Situated near Montemor-o-Novo in the Alentejo region, close to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora, the project encapsulates a respectful nod to the region’s heritage combined with a forward-thinking approach to resort design.
The master plan of the L'AND Wine Hotel pays homage to Alentejo's agricultural past. The layout, reminiscent of traditional “monte” compounds, organically integrates with the landscape, offering an unobtrusive yet captivating presence. A small lake, central to the resort, not only provides a serene focal point but also serves as a sustainable resource for agricultural purposes.
The hotel, pivotal to the resort, is a marvel of design ingenuity. Functioning as both a winery and a luxurious retreat, it allows guests to immerse themselves in the entire winemaking process. The architecture is a delicate balance of form and function, with the building designed as a hinged prism. Corners of the structure are thoughtfully cut away, creating intimate spaces and shaded areas that invite contemplation and relaxation.
Inside, the material choices speak to a deep understanding of texture and ambiance. Oak wood fluted wainscots and black slate from Alentejo provide a warm, comforting atmosphere, contrasting with the more industrial elements of the wine production areas.
The resort’s guest accommodations, the serviced townhouses, are an exercise in sensitive land use. Arranged around the lake in terraces, these two-story units blend seamlessly into the landscape, minimizing visual impact while maximizing views. The design of these townhouses centralizes around the living spaces, opening up to patios that overlook the lake, and are topped with beam structures that not only offer shade but also hold the potential for vine-covered gazebos, further integrating the structures into their natural surroundings.
PROMONTORIO's role extended beyond the design of the master plan and hotel. They were instrumental in curating a collaboration with renowned architects Peter Märkli, Sergison Bates, Carrilho da Graça, and José Paulo dos Santos, each bringing their unique vision to the project.
