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Kinetic Brick Facade with Polycarbonate Roof Anchors Wine Experience in Scenic Landscape

Author:
Jacob Blennerhassett
Kinetic Brick Facade with Polycarbonate Roof Anchors Wine Experience in Scenic Landscape
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The kinetic brick facade and polycarbonate roof create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the sensory experience of wine tasting within a carefully integrated landscape setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kinetic facade allows for adaptive lighting and ventilation.
02
Central courtyard ensures uninterrupted sunset views year-round.
03
Polycarbonate roof enhances natural light while protecting against elements.
04
Building design integrates cut-and-fill strategy within the hillside.
05
Focus on Syrah varietals connects architecture to local wine production.

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro is situated in a beautiful vineyard landscape defined by rolling golden hills. This winery was designed to enhance the experience of wine tasting while forging a strong connection with the surrounding natural environment. The overall design focuses on blending the structure with its topography and creating an atmosphere that engages visitors with the wines and the landscape.

Orientation and Views

The design carefully positions the building to take advantage of panoramic views, particularly the sunsets over the vineyard. This orientation fosters a visual relationship between the structure and the landscape, allowing visitors to observe the changing light throughout the day. The design enhances the experience of tasting wine against this dynamic backdrop.

Environmental Integration

Attention to environmental factors is a key aspect of the design. The building minimizes exposure to the prevailing north winds and is designed using a cut-and-fill strategy that incorporates the structure into the hillside. This method reduces the building's visual impact while improving energy efficiency. The central courtyard is strategically designed to ensure uninterrupted views of the sunset, reinforcing the connection between enjoying wine and the natural day-to-day rhythms of light.

Material Specifications

The selection of materials supports and complements the overall design. The roof features a polycarbonate sheet that allows natural light to fill the interior, while also offering protection from the elements. This is complemented by a white powdercoated roof structure that provides a contemporary appearance. The kinetic brick facade is another important feature, designed to adjust in response to the weather, allowing for changes in light and ventilation. The substructure consists of a concrete slab and rammed concrete walls, creating a solid foundation and incorporating effective moisture management through adequate drainage.

Design Detailing

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro emphasizes the relationship between the building and its landscape. Each design element has been chosen to enhance the visitor's experience. The kinetic facade helps control light and airflow, while the overall composition of the building integrates with the hills around it. This thoughtful design allows for appreciation of both the wine and the beautiful environment where it is produced.

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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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