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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Integrate with the Natural Landscape in a Vineyard Retreat

Author:
Nathan Costall
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Integrate with the Natural Landscape in a Vineyard Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, the design seamlessly merges modernity with the surrounding vineyard landscape to serve as a multifunctional wine production and hospitality space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels promotes rapid construction and sustainability.
03
Designed with large glass walls to maximize natural light and views of the vineyards.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to blend visually with the undulating landscape.
05
Features a community hub that encourages interaction among guests and staff.

The architectural design of the Quinta do Monte D'Óiro Wine Estate embodies a coherent relationship between its built environment and the surrounding landscape of the Douro Valley in Portugal. This project serves as a wine production facility and hospitality center, intended to enhance the visitor experience while reflecting the unique characteristics of the region's terroir. The design seamlessly integrates functional spaces with the natural terrain, creating a cohesive environment for both agricultural practices and guest interaction.

The primary functions of the Quinta do Monte D'Óiro include wine production, winetasting, and accommodation. The spatial organization is carefully planned to facilitate movement between these functions while maintaining a strong connection to the vineyard landscape. Key architectural components include a central barrel hall, accommodation suites, and communal gathering spaces. The barrel hall is designed with large windows that provide visual access to the surroundings, enhancing the sensory experience for visitors. Accommodation units are strategically placed to ensure privacy while maximizing views of the vineyards.

Unique to this project is its approach to materiality and form. The design employs a palette of local materials, including wood, glass, concrete, and metal. This selection not only promotes sustainability but also fosters a sense of place and identity reflective of the region. The wood used in construction adds warmth to the interiors, while glass elements create transparency, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The integration of terraced landscaping allows for natural vegetation to intermingle with the architectural structures, further emphasizing the connection to the site.

Natural lighting plays a critical role in the design approach. Large openings and strategic positioning of structures allow for an abundance of daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing the overall ambiance within the spaces. The architectural layout promotes airflow, ensuring a naturally comfortable environment for occupants.

The unique design of the Quinta do Monte D’Óiro also emphasizes flexible and multifunctional spaces. Each area is adaptable, servicing a variety of activities from formal events to casual gatherings. The meeting circle serves as a social hub, reinforcing community interaction within the wine-producing process. By designing such versatile spaces, the project addresses the varying needs of both visitors and staff, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable experience.

To gain deeper insights into this architectural project, interested readers are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and overall designs. These elements provide a comprehensive view of the intentions behind the project as well as the technical details that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic coherence.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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