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Glass Block Facades and Vegetated Roofs in a Wine Tasting Experience

Authors:
Luna Montaulieu, Cléo Mays-moreau, Clarisse Prouvost, Tham lien huong Le
Glass Block Facades and Vegetated Roofs in a Wine Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with glass block facades and a flat vegetated roof, the design offers a unique wine tasting experience that harmonizes with the natural landscape of Umbria.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wine tasting area designed as a “jewel case” emphasizing transparency.
02
Guest houses feature open living spaces with direct outdoor access.
03
Underground construction minimizes visual impact on the landscape.
04
Flat vegetated roof supports local biodiversity and eco-sustainability.
05
Central pathway encourages exploration and interaction among visitors.

The design is located in the scenic region of Umbria, known for its rich traditions in winemaking. It aims to create an engaging experience for visitors while highlighting the importance of wine production in the area. The concept focuses on guiding guests through a series of thoughtfully arranged spaces that culminate in a dedicated area for wine tasting.

Wine Tasting Area

At the heart of the design is the wine tasting area, described as a "jewel case." This above-ground structure features facades made from glass blocks, which blur the line between inside and outside. The use of glass allows natural light to fill the space, creating an inviting environment for tasting wine. Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, making the experience more memorable.

Guest Houses

Five identical guest houses are integrated into the design. Each house is equipped with spacious living areas and open kitchens, designed to encourage interaction among guests. Small openings in the architecture allow for natural light and create views of the landscape. The layout prioritizes privacy while also connecting occupants with nature, making the houses a comfortable retreat.

Sustainable Design

The project emphasizes sustainability through its use of underground construction. This approach minimizes disruption to the land, preserving the natural environment. The reception area features a flat vegetated roof, which helps sustain local plant life. This choice reflects an awareness of the ecological impact and respects the historical context of the region's winemaking.

Visitor Experience

The layout of the design is intentional, with a central path that leads visitors from the underground reception to various functional areas. This flow encourages exploration and interaction, emphasizing the communal aspect of winemaking. Key elements, such as outdoor terraces and a natural swimming area, promote relaxation and allow guests to connect with the beauty of the Umbrian landscape.

The reception area, with its vegetated roof, illustrates the thoughtful integration of architecture and nature. It creates a smooth transition for visitors as they move between built spaces and the outdoors, enhancing the overall experience of the environment.

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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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