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Rainwater Collection and Aquapanel Integration in a Vineyard Tasting Space

Author:
Athanassios Bakas
Rainwater Collection and Aquapanel Integration in a Vineyard Tasting Space

Project in-detail

The integration of Aquapanel and a rainwater collection system defines a modern wine tasting space situated within a vineyard, promoting sustainable practices while offering a welcoming environment for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cypress trees frame the existing driveway, enhancing the approach to the tasting room.
02
The structure incorporates a wheelchair platform lift for universal access.
03
An underground rainwater collection system supports sustainable water management.
04
Low iron frameless glazing maximizes views while maintaining thermal performance.
05
"Branco Champagne" white marble flooring adds elegance and visual continuity.

The Quinta do Monte d'oro Wine Tasting Room offers a well-thought-out blend of function and aesthetic appeal. Located in a picturesque vineyard setting, the design aims to create an inviting space for guests to experience wine tasting. This project emphasizes a connection between interior and exterior environments while ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Architecture Concept

Accessibility and sustainability guide the overall design. Features like a wheelchair platform lift allow for easy entry, making the space welcoming to everyone. The layout connects public areas with more private spaces, promoting light and encouraging interaction among visitors. The existing driveway, lined with cypress trees, enhances the sense of arrival and reinforces the building's ties to its surroundings.

Materials and Finishes

Materials have been carefully selected to support the design goals. The walls and ceilings are made of Aquapanel cement board, finished in a level 5 satin white. This choice provides a simple and clean backdrop that improves light quality within the tasting room. Columns are also finished in white satin paint, creating visual unity throughout the space. The flooring employs "Branco Champagne" white marble, which adds a polished look and helps to create an elegant atmosphere.

Sustainability and Functionality

Several sustainable elements have been thoughtfully integrated into the project. An underground rainwater collection tank minimizes environmental impact, while black solar panels contribute to energy efficiency. These features work together to maintain a balance between design and functionality. The layout is practical and user-friendly, focusing on creating an enjoyable experience without sacrificing the building’s role in eco-friendliness.

Design Detail

The exterior showcases an uncomplicated facade, featuring an aluminum gutter and fascia painted in powder-coated satin white, along with external blinds that offer shade. Low iron frameless double glazing enhances visual clarity and connects the indoor space to the abundant landscape outside. These design choices culminate in a refined setting for wine tasting, highlighting comfort and modern principles in the built environment.

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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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