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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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