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Cork Insulation and Retractable Glass Create a Dynamic Winery Experience

Authors:
Marco Del Bene, Massimiliano Pignat
Cork Insulation and Retractable Glass Create a Dynamic Winery Experience
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The retractable glass wall and local stone integration enhance the winery's connection to its landscape, while cork insulation and thermowood elements contribute to sustainability and comfort in the tasting experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable glass wall integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing vineyard views.
02
Local stone masonry connects the winery to traditional winemaking heritage.
03
Cork insulation layers improve energy efficiency and acoustic performance.
04
Thermowood paneling adds warmth and durability while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Panoramic tasting room encourages deeper engagement with the surrounding landscape.

The design features a winery that harmonizes the essential functions of winemaking with a deep appreciation for its scenic vineyard setting. Its architecture aims to enhance the experience of guests by focusing on three core ideas: view, taste, and environment. Each area of the facility is carefully arranged, influencing how visitors interact with the space and each other.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of distinct areas that contribute to the overall visitor experience. The tasting room acts as the heart of the winery, positioned to connect guests with both the interior of the building and the stunning landscape outside. Well-structured pathways guide visitors through the various spaces, ensuring easy navigation while promoting engagement with the surroundings.

Material Selection

Materials chosen for the construction reflect a commitment to durability and local craftsmanship. A local stone wall establishes a connection to traditional wine production and adds a sense of history to the design. Concrete is used for the pavement due to its strength and low upkeep needs, making it suitable for a facility frequented by visitors.

Sustainable Features

The winery also emphasizes sustainability in its design. The architecture uses insulation layers and waterproofing to protect against the elements. The reinforced concrete foundation enhances the building's stability, ensuring it can withstand environmental conditions. Features such as a vapor barrier and double layers of cork insulation further support energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable environment throughout the year.

Design Details

One of the most notable aspects is the large glass wall oriented southwest, offering superb views of the vineyard. This feature allows the interior to connect visually with the landscape beyond. Remarkably, the glass wall can retract, blending the indoor environment with the outdoor scenery. This flexibility enhances the tasting experience, inviting guests to enjoy wine while fully immersed in the lush vineyard surroundings.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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