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Cork Cladding and Interactive Spaces in a Community-Focused Winery Experience

Author:
Dorine Vos
Cork Cladding and Interactive Spaces in a Community-Focused Winery Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing cork cladding and engineered wood, the design creates engaging communal spaces that enhance the wine tasting experience while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cork cladding to enhance thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Engages visitors through a central communal area designed for social interaction.
03
Incorporates large glass panels for unobstructed vineyard views and natural lighting.
04
Features a bent A-frame structure, optimizing spatial dynamics and aesthetics.
05
Emphasizes local materials, fostering a connection to the surrounding landscape.
The Cork House is an innovative architectural project located in the vineyards of Quinta do Monte d'Oiro, near Lisbon, Portugal. Functioning primarily as a wine tasting facility, the design successfully integrates with its agricultural context while promoting a connection between users and the surrounding landscape. The building adopts a form that fits harmoniously with the vineyard, enriching the visitor experience through carefully curated spaces.

Sustainability is a central theme in the architecture of The Cork House. It employs locally sourced materials, primarily cork, which serves as the main external cladding. This choice reflects a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Cork provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, reinforcing the building's energy efficiency. The structure incorporates engineered wood for its framing, aligning with modern sustainable building trends. Large glass panels are strategically placed to enhance natural light and maintain a visual connection to the vineyard, allowing for unobstructed views.

The overall spatial organization within The Cork House prioritizes function and interaction. The design features a central communal area dedicated to wine tasting, promoting social engagement. This space is complemented by functional zones, such as kitchens and restrooms, which adhere to practical design principles. The architectural layout encourages exploration and movement, allowing visitors to experience the vineyard fully while interacting with the environment.

Unique design approaches set The Cork House apart from standard wine facilities. The use of cork as a primary material is not only visually appealing but also symbolizes the region's winemaking heritage. Further, the architecture showcases a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. By utilizing operable windows and overhangs, the structure facilitates natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and enhancing occupant comfort.

The Cork House also represents a new architectural narrative for winery spaces, focusing on cultural enrichment. It acts as a platform for community engagement, allowing visitors to appreciate the winemaking process and the surrounding landscape actively.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of The Cork House and its architectural significance, explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs. These elements provide deeper insights into the project's innovative approaches and its functional design principles, showcasing how architecture can harmoniously blend with its environment.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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