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Curated Vineyard Experience Enhanced by Transparent Glass Facades and Natural Stone Integration

Authors:
Katie Donahue, Katharina Hoerath, Marina gabriela Brink
Curated Vineyard Experience Enhanced by Transparent Glass Facades and Natural Stone Integration

Project in-detail

Incorporating transparent glass facades and natural stone elements, the design creates a seamless dialogue with the surrounding vineyard, offering a refined space for immersive wine tasting experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates viewfinder openings that frame specific vineyard vistas.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Employs a bent A-frame structure to create dynamic interior spaces.
04
Integrates locally sourced materials to reinforce the connection to the site.
05
Features a circulation path designed to engage visitors with the landscape.
The project titled "The Viewfinder" is designed as a wine tasting room located within a vineyard environment. It embodies a comprehensive engagement between architecture and the landscape, integrating building elements with their surroundings. The structure serves the primary function of facilitating wine tasting experiences while providing visitors with a profound connection to the terroir.

The design employs a series of intentional spatial arrangements that guide visitors through a curated experience. Upon approach, individuals traverse a carefully designed path that meanders through the vineyard, enhancing their anticipation as they enter the building. Internally, the tasting room features a layout that promotes connection both to the outside environment and to the act of tasting wine, fostering a holistic experience.

Unique Approaches to Design and Integration

The architectural approach taken in "The Viewfinder" incorporates a deep understanding of the landscape’s qualities and the cultural essence of wine. The building is thoughtfully oriented to frame specific views of the vineyard, inviting contemplation and active participation from its visitors. This design strategy transforms architectural elements into viewfinders, allowing guests to appreciate scenic vistas while engaged in the tasting experience.

The material palette is another distinctive aspect of the project. The use of local materials such as oak wood for ceilings and natural stone for flooring establishes a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Glass walls serve not only to merge indoor and outdoor spaces but to enhance natural lighting. This material selection underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability while achieving a tactile quality that resonates with wine culture.

Architectural Configuration and User Experience

The internal configuration of "The Viewfinder" is deliberately crafted to engage visitors from entry to exit. The entrance is designed as a compressed threshold, transitioning participants into a more expansive tasting area. Structural elements such as timber framing and steel supports are visible, highlighting the construction techniques employed. The ceiling height gradually increases as visitors move further inside, creating a sense of elevation both physically and metaphorically.

A careful consideration of temporal dynamics is reflected in the design. Orientation towards the sun maximizes natural light exposure, allowing visitors to experience different atmospheres based on the time of day. This design detail is crucial as it parallels the wine tasting experience, inviting patrons to reflect on the nuances of flavor that change with time.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of "The Viewfinder," exploring the architectural plans and sections will provide additional insights into the design process. Detailed architectural designs reveal how the unique features and user experiences are intricately connected within the project.
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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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