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Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Form a Vineyard Tasting Room Integrated with Nature

Authors:
Katie Donahue, Katharina Hoerath, Marina gabriela Brink
Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Form a Vineyard Tasting Room Integrated with Nature

Project in-detail

A cantilevered structure of charred wood shingles and expansive glass creates an immersive experience that connects visitors to the surrounding vineyard, serving as a unique tasting room rooted in its natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a cantilevered balcony offering unobstructed views of the vineyard, enhancing the tasting experience.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for both aesthetic and fire-resistant properties, reflecting sustainable practices in building materials.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity, providing a warm and inviting interior atmosphere.
04
Natural light is maximized through extensive glazing, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
The architectural layout facilitates a sensory journey, guiding visitors through curated experiences that emphasize the terroir.
The architectural project known as "The Viewfinder" is a carefully curated wine tasting room situated within a picturesque vineyard. This project exemplifies a profound commitment to blending structure and nature, creating a space that not only serves a functional purpose but also embodies the very essence of its setting. The design represents a harmonious relationship between architecture and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing the significance of terroir—the unique characteristics imparted by the local environment that influence wine production.

Functionally, "The Viewfinder" serves as a tasting room where visitors can engage with wines produced on-site. The architecture facilitates a sensory experience, allowing guests to explore the nuances of the wine in an environment that enhances their appreciation. This experiential focus is built into the design, where the layout encourages a gradual progression through the space, inviting guests to connect with both the product and the landscape more intimately.

The important elements of "The Viewfinder" include its innovative circulation design, which enhances the visitor's journey from arrival through to the tasting experience. As guests approach, they are led along a meticulously designed path that provides previews of the vineyard, ultimately revealing views of the surrounding vineyards that serve as a stunning backdrop to the tasting experience. This design approach acknowledges the significance of the natural context in which the architecture resides, making it an integral part of the experience rather than an isolated structure.

Materiality is a cornerstone of the project. The use of warm wood for the ceiling and flooring creates an inviting atmosphere, fostering comfort and a sense of intimacy within the space. Natural stone establishes a strong connection to the earth, grounding the design in the landscape and reflecting the regional geology. Expansive glass walls are strategically placed to maximize natural light and frame breathtaking views of the vineyards, allowing the interior and exterior to interact seamlessly. Metal accents are incorporated to add a contemporary touch, enhancing functional aspects while reflecting the sunlight in an engaging manner.

One of the unique design approaches of "The Viewfinder" is its emphasis on the experience of wine tasting—not just as a flavor event but as a moment deeply connected to time and place. The architecture promotes a sense of timing, with spaces deliberately oriented to capture varying degrees of sunlight throughout the day. This temporal aspect enriches the tasting experience, allowing visitors to feel the changing light as they savor the wines, reinforcing the connection between the product and the natural environment.

The project also embraces sustainability through its architectural form and function. By employing passive design strategies such as natural ventilation and optimal sunlight orientation, "The Viewfinder" minimizes its ecological footprint. These elements create an environment that feels alive and responsive to the seasons, mirroring the cyclical nature of viticulture.

In addition to its physical attributes, "The Viewfinder" fosters social interaction and community engagement, making it a space where people can gather, share stories, and forge connections over wine. This communal aspect is vital, as it highlights the cultural significance of winemaking and tasting, transforming a simple act into a shared celebration of craftsmanship and nature.

For those interested in exploring the details further, the architectural plans, sections, and designs of "The Viewfinder" provide valuable insights into the project's design ethos. By reviewing these elements, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and intentions that underpin this compelling project. The thoughtful integration of design and landscape makes "The Viewfinder" an exemplary model of contemporary architecture in harmony with its environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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