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Cave-Like Structure Integrating Rock and Slate in a Vineyard Setting

Author:
Ana Ayala
Cave-Like Structure Integrating Rock and Slate in a Vineyard Setting
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A cave-like wine hall designed with rock and slate seamlessly integrates into the elevated vineyard landscape, enhancing the experience of wine production and appreciation.
5 key facts about this project
01
A sunken hall design creates a unique interior experience.
02
Elevated positioning offers panoramic views of the vineyards.
03
Subtraction technique enhances the cave-like atmosphere.
04
Rock and slate materials blend the structure with its environment.
05
The layout encourages natural light throughout the space.

Quinta do Monte D'Oiro features the wine hall, O Corredor Vinho, designed to connect closely with the scenic landscape of Portugal's vineyards. The long, narrow form of the building takes advantage of the views and light, which enhances both the environment and the space's purpose. This design emphasizes the relationship between architecture and nature, focusing on how the structure serves the functions of wine production while fitting harmoniously into the surroundings.

Mass and Form

The massing of the building is defined by its elongated shape. This approach allows for optimal views and enters an abundance of natural light into the interior. It stands out while maintaining a modest presence that respects the landscape. Subtraction is a key element in the design, creating carved spaces that evoke a cave-like atmosphere, blending the structure with the surrounding hills.

Strategic Positioning

The wine hall is positioned on a raised corner of the site. This location provides significant views of the vineyards, enhancing the experience for those who visit. It connects the structure with the natural features of the site. The placement not only highlights the building but also relates it closely to the existing courtyard and vineyard area.

Interior Experience

Visitors begin their journey with a descent into the lower service area. As they move through the building, they encounter varying atmospheres designed to engage the senses. The flooring introduces tactile elements like rock and slate that support the cave-like theme, leading to the bright main hall. Here, stark white walls contrast with the greenery outside, drawing the eyes toward the landscape.

Light Management

Roof overhangs are incorporated to manage sunlight, improving comfort in the interior. These elements provide shade during warm months while creating a sense of visual depth. They help establish a clear connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall experience of the building.

At its core, Quinta do Monte D'Oiro exemplifies careful design that highlights the relationship between architecture and nature. The wine hall, through its thoughtful approach to form and function, celebrates the beauty of its surroundings, culminating in a space that not only serves practical needs but also enriches the visitor experience.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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