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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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