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Glass Box Overlooking Vineyards with Stucco and Wood Elements

Authors:
Jeffrey Sargis, Stavroula Birmbas-vendouri
Glass Box Overlooking Vineyards with Stucco and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

A farmhouse table sits in a glass box, creating a communal tasting experience that offers expansive views of the vineyard while the surrounding stucco-clad structure enhances sustainability through water collection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A glass box table serves as the centerpiece, connecting diners with the vineyard views.
02
The structure utilizes a stucco exterior that blends with local architectural styles.
03
Water collection systems are integrated into the roof design for sustainability.
04
Family-style seating promotes social interaction among guests during tastings.
05
Strategic use of screening walls provides privacy while maintaining views.

The Quinta Do Monte d'Oiro wine tasting experience is located in the scenic vineyards of Portugal, emphasizing a strong connection to the landscape and its cultural traditions. The design celebrates wine tasting as a shared event, focusing on the sensory journey that guests embark on while surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. The project promotes communal interaction and creates spaces that invite visitors to engage deeply with the environment and the winemaking process.

Design Concept

The design directs visitors through an entry in a screened wall, guiding them to a private terrace where a farmhouse table sits in a glass box. This arrangement highlights the vineyard views and allows guests to feel part of the landscape. The concept takes wine tasting beyond mere flavor to emphasize the importance of sharing moments in nature, enhancing the cultural significance of winemaking.

Spatial Configuration

A family-style tasting table is carefully placed to provide uninterrupted views of the vineyard, encouraging guests to socialize and connect. This thoughtful design element fosters a sense of community, allowing for an enjoyable and interactive wine tasting experience. The layout creates an inviting atmosphere where people can gather and celebrate together while enjoying the various wines.

Materiality and Structure

The main building is a box finished in smooth stucco, which blends well with local architectural styles. It houses essential utilities that support the winemaking process, such as water collection systems and storage facilities. This massing not only serves practical purposes but also visually conceals industrial elements nearby. The use of stucco helps unify the building with its surroundings while enhancing the experience.

Integration with Environment

The tasting room is designed with large glass elements that provide impressive views of the vineyard while allowing natural light to fill the space. This connection to the outside creates a welcoming and bright ambiance. The sloped roof is designed to collect rainwater, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. Together with the stucco exterior, these features create a warm and inviting atmosphere while respecting the agricultural context.

The architectural details reflect a harmonious relationship between the interior and the landscape. Visitors experience both the beauty of the vineyard and the quality of the wines, all within a thoughtfully designed space that prioritizes comfort and connection.

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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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