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Fragmented Forms with Shot Concrete Emphasize Connection to Vineyard Experience

Author:
Edward Engs
Fragmented Forms with Shot Concrete Emphasize Connection to Vineyard Experience

Project in-detail

With fragmented forms constructed from shot concrete, the wine room integrates into the landscape while offering a seamless connection to the vineyard experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fragmented forms create dynamic visual experiences while maintaining a low profile in the landscape.
02
The translucent light well enhances natural lighting and connects visitors with the outdoors.
03
A deep west elevation recess provides shaded seating, promoting outdoor engagement.
04
Shot concrete allows for varied color finishes that resonate with the surrounding environment.
05
The landscaped stairway connects the tasting room to the vineyard, reinforcing the spatial relationship between building and land.

The Monte d' Orio Wine Room is located in the Lisbon Wine Region of Portugal, a place known for its scenic vineyards and gentle hills. The building serves as a tasting room, designed to fit naturally into its surroundings. It invites visitors to enjoy the experience of wine tasting while celebrating the beauty of the landscape. The concept is centered around integrating the structure with the land, so it complements rather than competes with the scenery.

Architectural Integration

The tasting room is carefully positioned below the promontory. This choice allows for uninterrupted views of the environment while keeping the building low-profile. Visitors are led through a landscaped stairway that connects the tasting room to the surrounding vineyard. This pathway contributes to a strong sense of place, helping guests feel part of the landscape as they move between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Spatial Organization

The building features a design composed of fragmented forms, with each section creating engaging exterior areas. A translucent light well is included to bring natural light into the interior, enhancing the atmosphere inside. Alongside this, a solid planter seating area offers a comfortable spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the vineyards, encouraging a communal spirit among those tasting the wines.

Materiality and Performance

The main material used in the construction is shot concrete, selected for its durability and ability to blend with the surroundings. This choice allows for various finish options that can reflect the natural colors of the landscape. The design focuses on energy efficiency, utilizing the thermal properties of concrete for passive heating and cooling. A living roof provides additional insulation, contributing to the building's sustainability.

Design Details

A distinctive feature is the deep recess on the west elevation, which creates a shaded outdoor area for the tasting room. This thoughtful design detail protects visitors from direct sunlight. It allows them to engage with the natural environment comfortably. Such elements reflect the careful consideration given to the relationship between wine, land, and the people who enjoy them, enhancing the overall experience in this beautiful setting.

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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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