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Circular Structure With Expansive Views and Cobblestone Details

Authors:
Roddy Handa, Brendan Lawlor, Scott Oglesby, Milan Patel
Circular Structure With Expansive Views and Cobblestone Details

Project in-detail

A circular structure that includes expansive views of the vineyard and incorporates traditional cobblestone flooring enhances the wine tasting experience while promoting a strong connection between visitors and the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A unique circular layout creates an immersive tasting experience.
02
Three large portals frame distinct views of the vineyard landscape.
03
Cobblestone flooring reflects traditional Portuguese building techniques.
04
The design enhances community interaction with centralized gathering areas.
05
A concealed ancillary sink optimizes functionality without compromising aesthetics.

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro is located in a rural vineyard, where it serves as a wine tasting facility. The building's design draws inspiration from its natural surroundings, blending in with the landscape to create a welcoming space. Visitors enter through a principal entrance along a cobblestone road, moving through an inner and outer shell that leads them to the main wine tasting room. This design choice intentionally hides the views of the room until guests are fully inside, allowing for an engaging experience right from the start.

Design and Layout

Inside, the wine tasting room covers just under 60 square meters and accommodates 30 seats. Seating is arranged thoughtfully to enhance comfort and interaction. Twenty-two chairs surround a central feature table, while eight additional seats are positioned along the inner edge. This layout ensures that every visitor has a good view through one of the three large portals. A presentation table serves as a focal point for the host, equipped with plumbing to facilitate the serving of wine and food. A concealed sink located nearby adds to the functionality of the space without disrupting the overall design.

Connection to the Landscape

The building emphasizes a strong connection to the vineyard. Large windows and portals frame the expansive views of the surrounding fields, enriching the wine tasting experience. This relationship between the interior and the landscape is vital, as it enhances guests' appreciation of both the wine and the terrain from which it comes. The design effectively engages visitors, allowing them to feel part of the winemaking process.

Construction Techniques

Incorporating traditional Portuguese construction methods, the project features cobblestone flooring. This choice is in line with local architectural styles, creating a sense of continuity with the environment. By using familiar materials, the design respects the region's heritage while meeting modern functional needs.

The layout promotes a fluid movement throughout the space, allowing visitors to flow easily from one area to another. Centrally positioned gathering spots encourage interactions and shared experiences among guests. Architectural details, such as the ribbed ceiling, create a warm atmosphere while providing an intimate setting for wine tasting. These elements come together to form a space that highlights the natural beauty of the vineyard and the art of winemaking.

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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
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