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Green Roof Sanctuary Featuring Local Oak and Calçada Portuguesa for Community Engagement

Authors:
Martin Chavanne, Jim Compton, Madi Cannon, Matthew Robinson
Green Roof Sanctuary Featuring Local Oak and Calçada Portuguesa for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A green roof enhances the sensory experience of a wine-tasting house, built with local oak and Calçada Portuguesa, designed to foster community interaction and connection to the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A green roof cultivates biodiversity while providing insulation.
02
Local oak is used throughout for structural elements and furnishings.
03
Calçada Portuguesa flooring incorporates traditional Portuguese craftsmanship.
04
The central courtyard promotes outdoor interaction and engagement.
05
Natural acoustic design enhances the sensory experience during tastings.
The Abertura Tasting House is an architectural project designed to serve as a wine-tasting venue while fostering a connection to the surrounding landscape and community. Located in a picturesque countryside setting, the structure integrates harmoniously with its environment, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The design emphasizes natural materials, local craftsmanship, and spatial flexibility, creating a place for interaction and appreciation of local culture and produce.

Architecturally, the Abertura Tasting House is characterized by its minimalistic facade, featuring white stucco that reflects the regional climate and aesthetic. The building includes a distinguishing green roof, which enhances environmental sustainability, supports biodiversity, and provides a natural insulation layer. Large glass doors invite natural light into the interior and create a visual link between the inside and the surrounding landscape.

Community Engagement and Flexible Spaces

One of the standout aspects of this project is its commitment to community engagement. The design incorporates expansive communal areas fostering social interaction among visitors. The tasting rooms are thoughtfully arranged to accommodate large groups, promoting shared experiences through communal tables. Additional spaces, such as intimate guest suites, provide versatility for different visitor needs while maintaining connection with the broader environment.

Consideration for natural acoustics and movement flow is also apparent in the layout. The courtyard serves as a transitional space that enhances accessibility and encourages outdoor engagement, facilitating a seamless journey from tasting experiences to areas of contemplation. This integration allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of the setting while engaging with local wine and produce.

Sustainable Material Use and Traditional Craftsmanship

The Abertura Tasting House showcases a commitment to sustainable design through the careful selection of materials and construction methods. Key materials used in the project include Calçada Portuguesa for flooring, which aligns with local tradition and provides durability, and Portuguese oak for furnishings, emphasizing local resource use. Arched clay tiles are employed throughout the interior, adding texture while celebrating regional craftsmanship.

Incorporating these materials not only grounds the design in its cultural context but also underscores the importance of sustainability in contemporary architecture. The project illustrates how traditional techniques can be utilized within modern design, offering a respectful nod to historical practices while providing contemporary functionality.

The Abertura Tasting House embodies a blend of architecture and community-focused design, highlighting sustainable practices, local materials, and interactive spaces. To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas, explore the project presentation for extensive insights and details.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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