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Cork Wood Pavilion Embracing Vineyard Views with Traditional Azulejos

Authors:
Hermann Gonzalez, Gustavo Mendoza, Cooper Copetas
Cork Wood Pavilion Embracing Vineyard Views with Traditional Azulejos

Project in-detail

An inverted excavation formed with cork wood and adorned with traditional azulejos offers a unique vantage point over the vineyards, creating an inviting space for wine tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
An inverted excavation enhances integration with the natural landscape.
02
Cork wood is prominently used, reflecting local material practices.
03
Traditional azulejos are incorporated for a cultural connection.
04
A cantilevered terrace expands usable outdoor space.
05
The design features a triangular form echoing the surrounding vineyards.

Adega de Cristal is a wine tasting room located on the slopes of Monte d'Oiro in Portugal. The design emphasizes a strong connection to its surroundings while providing a unique experience for visitors. The concept centers on an inverted excavation that blends the building into the landscape, allowing it to harmonize with the vineyards that stretch below.

Concept and Spatial Organization
The design carefully arranges visual axes and triangular forms, creating a thoughtful interaction with the terrain. The pavilion is divided into three distinct moments, known as an "Axis Mundi" trinity. The entrance features a solid mass portal that leads into the tasting room made of cork wood. This space is filled with natural light, enhancing its warm atmosphere. A specific area for displaying premier vintages offers a balance of shadow and illumination, creating an inviting environment for enjoying wine.

Architectural Details
The layout leads to a glass veranda complemented by a cantilevered terrace. This feature contributes to the flexibility of the space, accommodating different types of gatherings. The design encourages a connection with the landscape, allowing the pavilion to serve both as an enclosed space and an open venue for enjoying the outdoors. Each element of the plan supports a coherent flow, enriching the visitor experience as they move through the building.

Materiality and Context
Local materials play an important role in the design. Traditional azulejos and native stone reflect the regional architectural style, connecting the building to its cultural landscape. Cork wood is used inside, strengthening the link to the area. These materials serve practical and aesthetic purposes while honoring the heritage of the surroundings, grounding the pavilion in its unique location.

Design Experience
With its balanced proportions and thoughtful details, Adega de Cristal provides a setting that highlights the art of winemaking. The triangular shape mirrors the adjacent vineyards, framing views and encouraging quiet moments of reflection. The combination of light, shadow, and material adds richness to the atmosphere, creating spaces that invite visitors to engage with both the building and the natural beauty around it.

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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

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