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Mirrored Glass Facades Enhance Vineyard Experience While Integrating Concrete and Wood Elements

Author:
Rish Saito
Mirrored Glass Facades Enhance Vineyard Experience While Integrating Concrete and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Reflecting the lush vineyard surroundings through its mirrored glass facades, this structure seamlessly integrates concrete and timber elements to create an immersive space for contemporary wine tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project features a façade made entirely of mirrored glass, allowing for dynamic reflections of the surrounding vineyard.
02
Three distinct tasting rooms embody different eras of wine culture, each designed with unique thematic elements.
03
The integration of sustainable materials highlights an eco-conscious approach to both design and construction.
04
The innovative use of concrete and timber creates a striking contrast between solid and transparent elements.
05
Outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected to indoor areas, enhancing the overall sensory experience of wine tasting.
The architectural project "Through the Looking Glass" serves as a compelling exploration of the relationship between built spaces and natural landscapes, specifically designed for a vineyard context. This design harmonizes reflection and interaction, creating a thoughtful space for wine tasting that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. The fundamental aim of this project is to enhance visitors' experiences through a multifaceted approach that emphasizes perception, tradition, and modernity.

"Through the Looking Glass" features a series of cube-like structures predominantly clad in mirrored glass. This unique choice of material not only allows the architecture to reflect the lush vineyard landscape but also minimizes its visual impact, effectively merging the built environment with nature. The concept invites visitors to engage with their surroundings in a more interactive manner, as the reflective surfaces create an ongoing dialogue between themselves and the natural world. By capturing different views of the vineyard, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the area's beauty while participating in a contemporary wine culture.

Functionally, the project separates into three distinct spaces, each representing a unique temporal aspect of wine appreciation. These areas include the Room of the Past, the Room of the Present, and the Room of the Future. The Room of the Past evokes a sense of history and tradition, showcasing wine tasting in a classic setting adorned with rich colors and nuanced glass decor that reflect the elegance of bygone eras. In contrast, the Room of the Present adopts a more casual approach, creating an informal atmosphere where contemporary design meets convenience. The inclusion of a wine vending machine exemplifies a modern, accessible twist on the wine tasting experience, democratizing enjoyment and inviting a diverse audience to partake in the cultural practice.

The Room of the Future represents a forward-thinking perspective on wine tasting, where technology and ecology intersect. This area is defined by stark, minimalist design elements that prioritize functional aesthetics and modern advancements in winemaking. Incorporating high-tech features alongside organic materials prompts visitors to consider the implications of technology on agricultural practices and the experience of wine.

The design strategies employed in "Through the Looking Glass" reflect an underlying commitment to enhancing visitor interaction with the environment. By mitigating barriers between inside and out, the architecture fosters a sense of connectivity with the natural landscape while guiding individuals through their journey of wine appreciation. Furthermore, the thoughtful organization of spaces facilitates a progressive narrative, allowing guests to traverse through historical, contemporary, and futuristic interpretations of wine culture.

The materials selected for this project also play an essential role in communicating its ideas. While the mirrored glass works to create a visual extension of the vineyard, concrete serves as a sturdy foundation that provides structural integrity. Steel complements the overall aesthetic by adding a touch of modern industrial design, while warm wood elements enhance the interior ambiance, promoting an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

Potential visitors and architecture enthusiasts should explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs further to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how such innovative ideas were brought to life through this project. By examining these elements in detail, one can appreciate the careful consideration that went into harmonizing form, function, and the natural environment in "Through the Looking Glass." This project stands as an exemplary case of contemporary architecture that respects and celebrates the surrounding landscape while offering a unique venue for wine tasting.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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