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Glass Block Jewel Case Embracing Natural Landscape for Wine Tasting Experience

Authors:
Luna Montaulieu, Cléo Mays-moreau, Clarisse Prouvost, Tham Lien Huong Le
Glass Block Jewel Case Embracing Natural Landscape for Wine Tasting Experience
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Constructed with glass blocks, the wine tasting area serves as a jewel case that reflects the surrounding natural landscape, fostering a rich connection to the heritage of Umbria while providing an immersive experience for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wine tasting area is the only above-ground space, designed as a jewel case.
02
The entrance features a sloping pathway that leads to an underground reception area.
03
Five guest houses are arranged along a long central alley, maximizing natural light.
04
The project incorporates a large terrace with a natural swimming pool for relaxation.
05
Glass blocks provide a transparent connection to the surrounding landscape.

The design sits within the picturesque landscape of Umbria, focusing on the rich culture of winemaking. It features distinct spaces that serve various functions, particularly highlighting a wine tasting area that enhances the experience of savoring fine wine. The overall concept encourages visitors to explore the connections between the built environment and the region's heritage.

Wine Tasting Area

The wine tasting area, prominently the only space above ground, is designed like a jewel case that highlights the wine products. This unique form draws attention and elevates the experience of tasting. It creates a special identity that emphasizes the celebratory essence of wine. The design promotes community interaction among visitors, reflecting the collaborative spirit of winemaking.

Entrance and Reception

A gently sloping pathway leads visitors to an underground reception area, marking the transition from the outside to a more sheltered space. This descent signifies a journey into the depths of wine production. The reception serves as a welcoming point, orienting guests to the various amenities offered within this experience-rich environment.

Guest Houses

Five guest houses line a central alley, each designed to provide cozy sleeping areas and open living spaces that connect to outdoor terraces. These arrangements foster a relationship with nature, as careful placement of small openings allows natural light and views to flow in. This design decision enhances visitor interactions while ensuring privacy and comfort.

Landscape Integration

A large terrace with a natural swimming pool acts as both a serene retreat and an area for interaction with the landscape. This outdoor space connects the built environment to the natural world, providing guests a relaxing area to appreciate the surrounding beauty. The design integrates with the landscape through a flat vegetated roof, contributing to local biodiversity and minimizing the impact on the terrain.

An important feature of the wine tasting area is the use of glass blocks, creating a transparent connection to the outside. This choice enhances the interaction between the interior and the landscape, inviting natural light in while maintaining a distinctive architectural presence. The effect is a space that feels open and connected, illustrating the relationship between architecture and its 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

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