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Cork Insulation and Photovoltaic Panels Shape a Sustainable Tasting Room Experience

Authors:
Andrea Bartocci, Matteo Giammusso
Cork Insulation and Photovoltaic Panels Shape a Sustainable Tasting Room Experience
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Incorporating cork insulation and photovoltaic panels, the tasting room offers a sustainable and immersive wine experience while seamlessly connecting visitors with the surrounding vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork insulation enhances thermal efficiency while promoting sustainability.
02
Photovoltaic panels supply the building's energy needs, reducing environmental impact.
03
A large communal table promotes interaction among visitors, enhancing the tasting experience.
04
The elevation change of six meters connects the building with the vineyard landscape.
05
The design draws inspiration from traditional rural architecture, rooted in local context.

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro introduces a thoughtful approach to wine tourism in the heart of Portugal. Set in a picturesque vineyard, the tasting room acts as a focal point for visitors to experience both the process of winemaking and the surrounding landscape. Its design emphasizes ongoing interaction with nature and the wine culture, creating a space that is both functional and inviting.

Spatial Organization

The layout carefully divides different areas within the facility. A service area is separated from the main tasting room by an equipped wall, which helps maintain an organized workflow. This arrangement guides visitors as they move through the space, ensuring a smooth experience. A large communal table at the center of the tasting room encourages guests to gather and interact, promoting a sense of connection.

Topographical Response

The site features a six-meter elevation change that separates the vineyards from the winery. The design skillfully addresses this difference in height, allowing the building to relate closely to its surroundings. This connection invites visitors to engage with both the architecture and the landscape, enhancing their connection to the process of winemaking.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design choices made for the tasting room. Photovoltaic panels provide the energy needed for operations, indicating a focus on reducing environmental impact. Additionally, cork insulation is used to improve energy efficiency. These elements reflect a commitment to creating a sustainable space that respects both the landscape and the resources it uses.

Environmental Control

Windows are positioned to allow for cross-ventilation, bringing fresh air into the tasting room. This design feature helps maintain a comfortable environment, reducing the need for mechanical cooling or heating systems. With a focus on natural airflow, the room offers a pleasant experience for visitors, particularly during busy periods in the tourist season.

The architectural design draws from traditional rural styles, connecting naturally with its environment. It guides visitors through a landscape that is both captivating and educational, creating an engaging atmosphere that highlights the connection between the wine and its origins.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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