Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Perforated Brick Screens and Natural Wood Framing in a Vineyard Retreat

Authors:
Jorge Guimarães, Gonçalo Silva, João Carranca
Perforated Brick Screens and Natural Wood Framing in a Vineyard Retreat

Project in-detail

Screens of perforated bricks and natural wood elements enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces in a vineyard setting, providing a multifunctional retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique integration of perforated brick screens allows for dynamic light interplay throughout the day.
02
Central patio design enhances community interaction and visual flow across the property.
03
Infinity pool aligned with vineyard views creates a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
04
Natural wood framing complements the traditional aesthetic while providing modern durability.
05
Child-friendly garden incorporates local flora to engage families with the landscape.

The design at Monte D'Oiro Farm combines modern spaces with the area’s agricultural heritage. Set amidst vineyards, the project aims to create a sense of community while offering contemporary facilities for visitors. By centering on a shared outdoor patio, the layout encourages movement and interaction, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the farm.

Design Concept

The design establishes a strong identity by organizing several buildings around the central patio. Included in the layout are a hotel, a lounge bar, event spaces, and a restaurant. This arrangement promotes multifunctionality, allowing visitors to engage with various aspects of farm life while easy navigation encourages them to explore. The patio acts as a focal point, drawing guests into the heart of the space.

Light and Transparency

Light plays an essential role in the success of the design. Screens made from perforated bricks, painted white, allow sunlight to filter into the interior. These screens create interesting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, enhancing the space's atmosphere. At night, illuminated screens add a different kind of beauty, creating a visually engaging environment that invites exploration.

Connection to Landscape

The project underscores a strong connection between the architecture and its surroundings. The infinity pool overlooks the vineyards, reinforcing the relationship with the agricultural landscape. Adjacent areas, including a solarium and a child-friendly garden, encourage visitors to connect with both nature and the farm experience. This relationship allows recreational spaces to blend seamlessly with the agricultural context.

Material Expression

The choice of materials enhances the design's overall feel. White walls and natural wood framing for balconies and pergolas provide a clean, modern look. These materials respect the existing architecture while introducing contemporary elements. The design not only highlights craftsmanship but also promotes a welcoming ambiance that draws visitors in.

The careful integration of light and material creates an engaging environment that speaks to the farm’s artisanal roots and offers an enriching experience for all who visit.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy