Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Geothermal Reflecting Pool with Glass Panels and Wood Trellis in a Vineyard Tasting Space

Authors:
Steven Risting, Sean Costello
Geothermal Reflecting Pool with Glass Panels and Wood Trellis in a Vineyard Tasting Space

Project in-detail

With a geothermal reflecting pool at its center, this winery tasting room utilizes large glass panels and a wood trellis to create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing visitor engagement with the vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal system contributes to temperature regulation throughout the year.
02
Large glass panels create unobstructed views of the vineyard landscape.
03
A wood trellis provides shading and enhances outdoor comfort.
04
The layout includes distinct zones for tasting and social interaction.
05
The design integrates water harvesting techniques for sustainability.

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro presents an engaging setting that combines a wine tasting room with the natural beauty of a vineyard. Located in a scenic area, the design aims to enhance visitors' experiences by enabling them to connect with the landscape. Large glass panels are a key feature, allowing for direct views of the vineyard and creating a strong link between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architectural Concept

The concept focuses on immersing visitors in nature. The use of transparency throughout the design enhances natural lighting and encourages airflow, benefiting the overall atmosphere. The space includes distinct areas such as a wine tasting room, terraces, and outdoor seating, each positioned to take advantage of the landscape's natural features.



Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices reflect an aim for sustainability. The extensive use of glass in the skylight system maximizes daylight while fostering a connection to the outdoors. A wood trellis provides shade, reducing direct sunlight during the day and improving comfort. Concrete flooring adds durability, aligning with the project's environmentally conscious approach.



Functional Design Elements

The design includes notable features such as a geothermal reflecting pool. This element acts as both an aesthetic focal point and a tool for maintaining comfortable temperatures inside. Additionally, water harvesting methods are employed, promoting resource efficiency and underscoring the project's commitment to sustainability.



Structural Integration with the Site

The building’s form aligns with the vineyard's layout, creating a visual connection to the agricultural land. Architectural elements are arranged thoughtfully, allowing for exploration and interaction while maintaining clarity in design. A defining characteristic is how these aspects work together to reflect the character of the vineyard, enhancing both form and function.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy