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Natural Stone Portal and Oak Embrace in a Vineyard Tasting Room

Authors:
Katie Donahue, Katharina Hoerath, Marina Gabriela Brink
Natural Stone Portal and Oak Embrace in a Vineyard Tasting Room
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A deep natural stone portal welcomes visitors into a harmonious space defined by oak wood and expansive views of the vineyard, creating an engaging environment for wine tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Deep natural stone portal connects interior and exterior spaces.
02
Oak wood elements enhance warmth and sensory experience.
03
Strategic sightlines frame vineyard views, enriching the tasting journey.
04
Cantilevered balcony invites direct engagement with the landscape.
05
Carefully designed procession promotes anticipation and immersion.

The wine tasting room is located in a beautiful vineyard landscape, designed to connect visitors with the natural world. This place embodies the idea of "architectural terroir," where the building rises from the ground, representing the process of wine growth. The design focuses on creating an engaging experience for visitors, allowing them to fully appreciate the elements of wine and its environment.

Design Concept

The main idea of the design is to highlight the relationship between the earth and sky. Visitors follow a carefully planned path that leads them to the tasting room, enhancing their anticipation for the wine tasting. This journey through the site prepares guests, bridging the gap between nature and the structured space dedicated to enjoying wine.

Spatial Organization

Inside the tasting room, the layout follows the concept of a "viewfinder," capturing key scenes of the vineyard and connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. As visitors enter, they walk through a deep portal made from natural stone, which adds a strong visual focus and directs attention to the large glass walls that showcase the vineyard views. The combination of these elements creates a space that encourages exploration and enjoyment of the wines.

Materiality and Texture

The choice of materials is important to the overall feel and theme of the design. The natural stone at the entrance gives a tactile link to the land, while oak wood inside adds warmth and welcomes visitors. These materials not only shape the building’s appearance but also resonate with the processes involved in both architecture and winemaking, emphasizing a connection to the ground.

Light and Environment

Natural light plays a key role in the experience, with windows placed to maximize brightness during the day. An intimate cantilevered balcony extends from the building, allowing guests to connect with the vineyard views directly. This thoughtful approach to light and space enhances the visitors’ relationship with the wine and deepens their understanding of where it comes from.

Additionally, the layout includes communal areas that encourage social interaction among guests. By balancing private and shared spaces, the design fosters both individual reflection and group engagement. These thoughtful details help create a richer experience, highlighting the connection between visitors and the wine they are tasting.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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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