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Carbonized Oak and Cypress Pathways Enhance a Sustainable Winery Experience

Authors:
João Varela, Ana Isabel Santos, Paulo Dias
Carbonized Oak and Cypress Pathways Enhance a Sustainable Winery Experience
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A carbonized oak bookcase and cypress-lined pathways create a distinctive blend of sustainability and heritage at this winery, enhancing the overall visitor experience through thoughtful architectural integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The winery incorporates a carbonized oak bookcase that showcases the estate’s wines.
02
Cypress-lined pathways guide visitors through the historic and modern areas of the estate.
03
Production facilities feature advanced fermentation technology to ensure high-quality wine.
04
The design merges characteristics of a cellar and a library in the tasting room.
05
Large openings in the wine tasting room enhance natural ventilation and light.

Quinta do Monte D'Oiro is located in Alenquer, Portugal, within a historic wine estate that covers about 42 hectares, of which 30 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. This site focuses on high-quality grape production while integrating modern design elements that honor its rich history. The design concept aims to improve visitor experiences and production efficiency through a thoughtful connection between the landscape and the facilities.

Building Design

The winery, constructed in 2001, serves as a key part of wine production. It features advanced fermentation technology and includes new oak barrels for aging. These choices ensure that the wine remains of high quality throughout the process. The layout of the building emphasizes functionality, allowing for an efficient workflow that supports various stages of winemaking.

Visitor Experience

Visitors arrive via a cypress-lined path that connects the historical areas of the estate with the newer facilities. This pathway not only maintains the importance of the estate’s history but also guides guests on a journey through the property. As visitors walk along this route, they can appreciate the beauty and significance of both the landscape and the architecture.

Wine Tasting Room

The wine tasting room is designed to enhance the experience of both production and enjoyment. It combines aspects of a cellar and a wine library, creating a unique environment for guests. Large windows allow natural light to flow in, making the space feel welcoming and comfortable throughout the seasons. A notable feature is the carbonized oak bookcase, which displays the estate’s wines and adds to the room's overall charm.

The design vision blends modern structures with the surrounding environment in a way that highlights the estate's commitment to high-quality winemaking and visitor engagement. This careful attention to detail encourages an appreciation for both the process of winemaking and the final product.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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