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Curved Rammed Earth Structure Overlooking Vibrant Vineyards

Author:
Eliza Neagu
Curved Rammed Earth Structure Overlooking Vibrant Vineyards

Project in-detail

The distinctive curved walls of rammed earth create a harmonious connection with the surrounding vineyards, providing an elevated space for wine tasting that emphasizes natural materials and landscape integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved entrance wall provides a welcoming, embracing experience.
02
Large southwest window frames expansive vineyard views.
03
Rammed earth walls incorporate a thermal insulation core made of reeds.
04
Arched windows along the northwest wall enhance visual connections.
05
Interior flooring features bronze inserts to guide movement.

The Monte D'Oiro Wine Tasting Room is a space designed to enhance the experience of wine tasting while respecting the natural setting of the surrounding vineyards. The building presents a clean, white monolithic form that stands out without overpowering the landscape. Its design encourages visitors to appreciate both the wine and the beautiful vistas that envelop the site.

Design Concept

The concept for the tasting room derives from the rhythm and lines typical of vineyard fields. The entrance features a soft, curved wall that invites guests in with a sense of warmth. Inside, a large window allows for a wide view of the landscape to the southwest, placing visitors in an optimal position to enjoy the scenery while tasting. This strategic location on elevated ground provides a natural lookout that connects the structure to the expansive views over the vines.

Spatial Interaction

The interior layout of the space promotes a connection between indoor and outdoor experiences. The facade appears solid from the outside, but it includes a variety of openings that let in light and frame views of the landscape. Arched windows along one side give glimpses of nature, while the southeast window integrates ceramic blocks, filtering the outside world into the tasting room. This design choice ensures that visitors maintain a visual link with the vineyards as they make their selections.

Materials and Construction

Rammed earth serves as the primary material for the building, creating an environmentally friendly structure that connects it to the landscape. The walls feature a thermal insulation core made from reeds, enhancing energy efficiency while providing a natural feel. The ceiling is constructed with ceramic blocks supported by steel beams, offering both stability and an attractive appearance. The exterior is finished with undulating plaster, which complements the building’s rounded form while responding dynamically to changing light conditions throughout the day.

Interior Details

Inside, the exposed rammed earth walls draw inspiration from traditional wine cellars, adding to the overall sensory experience. The flooring includes bronze inserts that highlight the flow of movement, guiding visitors through the tasting area. These thoughtful design elements work together to create a welcoming environment, allowing guests to enjoy their wine while staying connected to the beauty of the surrounding vineyards.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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