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Passive Cooling Through Stucco and Steel in a Vineyard Pavilion

Authors:
Anna Foster, Rebecca Murden, Emily Rice, Nick Coppula
Passive Cooling Through Stucco and Steel in a Vineyard Pavilion

Project in-detail

With a heavy stucco wall that follows the natural contours of the landscape and exposed steel columns reminiscent of vineyard trellises, the pavilion enhances wine-tasting experiences while integrating sustainably into its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A heavy stucco mass wall integrates with the natural landscape.
02
Operable louvers provide natural ventilation and light control.
03
Exposed steel columns reflect traditional vineyard trellis structures.
04
The layout accommodates communal seating for 30 guests.
05
An open-air landscape stair connects the inside to the vineyard.

The Monte D'Oiro Pavilion is located within a picturesque vineyard and serves as a space for wine tasting. The design focuses on connecting the pavilion with its natural surroundings. It seeks to combine the art of wine-making with the beauty of the landscape while enhancing the experience for visitors.

Structure and Form

A heavy stucco mass wall defines the structure and follows the natural shape of the land. This wall not only provides strength but also helps to blend the building with the landscape. It intersects with a notable dip in the earth, creating a pathway that encourages visitors to enter the vineyard. This approach allows for an engaging experience from the moment visitors arrive.



Architectural Language

The building’s framework consists of exposed steel columns and beams that form a strong and supportive structure. These elements resemble the trellis systems typically used in vineyards, drawing a visual link between the architecture and the surrounding nature. The repeated structural components create an overall aesthetic that emphasizes both form and function.



Environmental Considerations

Operable louvers are integrated into the design to enable control of natural light and airflow. This feature allows fresh air to enter the wine-tasting room, improving comfort while reducing the need for heating or cooling systems. The thoughtful approach promotes sustainability and demonstrates a respect for the local environment.



Interior Experience

Inside, the layout accommodates seating for around 30 people, fostering a communal atmosphere during tastings. The design includes custom millwork that provides storage and countertop space, enhancing functionality without compromising style. The floor features large stone tiles, adding a tactile quality. A south-facing stucco wall offers passive cooling and protection from dust and wind.



The open-air landscape stair invites visitors into the earth’s coolness before they reemerge into the vineyard. This design detail emphasizes the relationship between the building and its surroundings, guiding visitors on a journey that connects them to both the architecture and the land.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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