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Earth-Covered Structure With Reflective Walls Enhancing Wine Tasting Experience

Authors:
David Lezhava, Ani Khvedelidze
Earth-Covered Structure With Reflective Walls Enhancing Wine Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

Covered in earth and accented by a mirror wall, the design enhances the sensory experience of wine tasting while integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular shape enhances views while minimizing obstruction.
02
Half of the building is covered with earth for climate regulation.
03
A mirror wall behind the tasting table reflects the landscape.
04
The design incorporates a roof water surface for thermal comfort.
05
Traditional Azulejo tiles are used to celebrate local heritage.

The Monte d'Oiro Wine Tasting Room is situated in a scenic landscape, designed primarily for wine tasting and appreciation. The building features a triangular shape that not only enhances the views but also ensures minimal obstruction of sightlines from nearby structures. By placing part of the building underground, the design connects effectively with its surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Climate Responsiveness
The design considers its climate carefully. A significant portion of the building is covered with earth, which helps it blend into the landscape while providing thermal regulation. This choice keeps the indoor environment comfortable, as the earth helps maintain a stable temperature. Additionally, a water surface on the roof promotes cooling during warm months and warmth in the winter, catering to visitors all year round.

Interior Layout
Inside, the wine tasting room is organized to enhance the visitor experience. A unique feature is the wall behind the tasting table, which is covered with a mirror. This design element allows visitors to see reflections of the landscape, creating a sense of openness and connection to the environment. It invites people to engage more deeply with their surroundings while enjoying the tasting experience.

Material Palette
The materials chosen for the project contribute to its character. Traditional Azulejo ceramic tilework, polished metal, concrete, and mirror are all included in the design. These materials blend cultural heritage with modern design, adding to the project's overall narrative and enhancing both its visual and tactile qualities.

The architectural design resonates with a thoughtful philosophical element, highlighted by a quotation from Leonardo: “In rivers, the water you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.” This idea of time and experience connects well to wine tasting, emphasizing the importance of savoring moments. The mirror’s reflective nature reinforces this theme, providing a space for contemplation and engagement while enjoying the wine.

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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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