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Distorted Glass Facades and Local Limestone Create Immersive Wine Experience in Contemporary Winery

Authors:
Yi ran Weng, Felix chun Lam, Abubaker Bajaman
Distorted Glass Facades and Local Limestone Create Immersive Wine Experience in Contemporary Winery

Project in-detail

With its sleek distorted glass facades that reflect the surrounding vineyard and locally sourced limestone structure that enhances environmental harmony, the winery creates an immersive experience that invites guests to engage deeply with both the wine and the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The winery incorporates locally sourced limestone, enhancing its connection to the surrounding landscape.
02
Distorted glass facades create dynamic visual reflections, shifting throughout the day.
03
The stepped design encourages exploration and interaction with the vineyard environment.
04
Sustainable drainage systems are integrated to promote ecological balance on site.
05
Intimate spaces within the facility foster personal engagement with the winemaking process.
The architectural design project, "Elated Melancholia," presents a contemporary winery that harmoniously integrates with its surrounding landscape while reflecting the deep emotional connection associated with the wine experience. This innovative project serves as both a functional winery and a nuanced space for cultural engagement, inviting visitors to explore the interplay between architecture, nature, and the vinicultural process.

At the core of the design is a thoughtful representation of contrasts, focusing on the themes of joy and contemplation that typically accompany wine tasting. The facility is structured to facilitate a journey for guests, utilizing spacious tasting rooms and intimate nooks that encourage reflection and interaction. The architecture functions not only as a venue for wine production but also as a place for social gatherings and personal discovery, highlighting the multifaceted nature of wine culture.

Key components of the project include a central wine tasting room, expansive outdoor terraces, and a pathway system designed to enhance visitor throughput while encouraging exploration of the beautiful vineyard landscape. The use of stepped forms and carefully curated pathways ensures that guests can experience varying perspectives of the surroundings and the architectural design itself, fostering a deep sense of connection between the two.

A notable aspect of "Elated Melancholia" is its unique approach to facade design. The building features distorted glass that allows for dynamic reflections of the landscape, inviting change throughout the day as natural light alters the perception of the space. This choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the winery but also creates a playful interaction between inner and outer environments, giving visitors a glimpse into the wine-making process while maintaining an element of privacy.

In terms of materiality, the project employs a deliberate selection of materials that address both aesthetic and functional needs. Locally sourced limestone serves as a principal material, providing structural integrity while grounding the design in its geographical context. This choice supports sustainability initiatives and contextual relevance. Additionally, the use of double-layered laminated distortion glass enhances internal light quality, while stainless steel elements provide durability and modernity. Pigmented concrete is skillfully used for flooring and walls, introducing warmth and a tactile quality to interior spaces.

The project's approach to sustainability is evident in the integration of the natural landscape with the architecture. Thoughtful drainage strategies enhance the site's ecological balance while minimizing the environmental impact of the winery's operations. By reducing the need for extensive landscaping and allowing for natural growth in parts of the site, the design promotes local biodiversity.

"Elated Melancholia" also stimulates cultural resonance by embodying the artistry of winemaking. The careful articulation of spaces encourages visitors to engage not just with the product but with the process and dedication behind each bottle of wine. The design fosters a deeper relationship with the surrounding landscape, inviting guests to contemplate their experience in relation to the broader context of the winery’s mission.

Overall, the architectural practices underlying "Elated Melancholia" serve to create a shared space that resonates with emotional depth while remaining functional. The focus on materiality, spatial relationships, and visitor engagement embodies a refreshing design ethos that prioritizes both aesthetic enjoyment and practical use. For those interested in exploring the finer details of this architectural project, including the comprehensive architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that inform its conception, further investigation into the presentation will provide invaluable insights into this compelling winery design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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