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Integrating Natural Light with Wood and Plaster in a Hillside Tasting Facility

Authors:
Seth Hanley, Jonathan Chow, Myrissa Wolfe
Integrating Natural Light with Wood and Plaster in a Hillside Tasting Facility
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Built with wood and plaster to harmonize with its hillside context, the facility emphasizes natural light and spatial flow, creating an inviting environment for wine tasting and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is optimized through strategic window placement, enhancing visitor experience throughout the day.
02
Wood and plaster materials reinforce local architectural traditions while ensuring durability.
03
The facility incorporates a distinct barrel room designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
04
Spatial organization encourages interaction and movement among visitors and staff.
05
Sun studies inform design decisions, minimizing heat gain while maximizing views of the surrounding landscape.

The Monte D'Oiro Tasting Salon is an architectural addition set within a hillside landscape. This structure functions as an important part of a winery, providing a space for wine tasting and community activities. The design approach emphasizes good relationships between the building and its natural surroundings, respecting the site's beauty while reflecting the winery's history.

Architectural Concept

The concept focuses on how the building blends with its environment, avoiding a dominating presence on the site. It features modern lines and shapes while taking inspiration from local architecture. This connection to traditional styles helps the design feel at home in its geographical context, creating a sense of belonging.

Functional Layout

The tasting salon includes well-planned spaces such as the Wine Tasting Room, Winery, Barrel Room, Conference Room, Chapel, and Kitchen. Each area serves a specific purpose, supporting activities linked to winemaking and encouraging education and social interaction. The arrangement of spaces allows for easy movement and promotes engagement among visitors and staff, enhancing the overall experience.

Materiality

Materials used in the construction include wood, metal, plaster, concrete, roof tiles, and upholstery. Choosing these materials contributes to the building's visual quality and ensures durability. Each element connects with the local environment, reinforcing the feeling of place while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Environmental Considerations

Attention to environmental factors is visible in the design choices, especially regarding light and circulation. By conducting sun studies for the equinox and solstice, the placement of windows and overhangs is optimized. This ensures good light exposure while reducing heat gain. The thoughtful arrangement enhances views of the landscape, allowing the structure to connect visually with its surroundings.

The vertical lines of the salon reflect the hillside's form, effectively connecting the building to the natural landscape.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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