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Rammed Earth and Corten Steel Create Harmonious Tasting Room Overlooking Vineyards

Authors:
Zach Morgan, John Wischmeyer
Rammed Earth and Corten Steel Create Harmonious Tasting Room Overlooking Vineyards

Project in-detail

Combining rammed earth construction with weathered Corten steel, the tasting room maximizes its vineyard views while providing an adaptable space for wine sampling and educational experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
02
Features weathered Corten steel that complements the natural landscape aesthetic.
03
Incorporates a modular design that allows for flexible use of interior spaces.
04
Integrates an adjacent herb garden to enhance sensory experiences during tastings.
05
Maximizes views of the vineyard through large sliding glass walls that connect indoors and outdoors.
The Monte D’Oiro Tasting Room, also known as Stratum, is an architectural project located within the scenic vineyards of Quinta do Monte D’Oiro winery. This facility serves as a dedicated space for wine tasting, showcasing the interplay between architecture and the surrounding landscape. The design reflects a deep understanding of the local context, emphasizing sustainability and functionality.

The project is organized across two levels, with distinct areas designed for specific activities. The upper level features a patio that overlooks the vineyard, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the environment while enjoying their tasting experience. The lower level comprises the main tasting room, where guests can engage more intimately with the wine and the winemaking process. Large glass walls and sliding doors integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive flow and maximizing natural light.

The design embodies a philosophy aligned with its surroundings. The use of materials such as rammed earth walls connects the structure to the local geology, promoting thermal stability and natural aesthetics. Corten steel elements introduce a contemporary contrast, while wooden furnishings add warmth and tactile quality to the interior spaces. Each material was selected not only for its physical properties but also for its ability to enhance the visitor's experience and interaction with the winery.

Unique Design Approaches

Stratum distinguishes itself through its modular design, allowing for significant flexibility in use. The partition walls can be modified or moved to accommodate different events, making the space adaptable to various functions throughout the year. This approach enables the tasting room to serve not only as a venue for wine tasting but also as a location for educational workshops and special events focused on viticulture.

The integration of an herb garden adjacent to the tasting area further enhances the sensory experience of the space. It provides both culinary opportunities and visual appeal, promoting a deeper connection to the local terroir. This design choice is a testament to the project's commitment to sustainability and the celebration of local agriculture.

Spatial configurations within the tasting room encourage exploration. Guests are guided through a sequence of experiences, with the circular flow allowing for an intuitive journey from the exterior vineyard views into the warmth of the indoor tasting environment. This design fosters a dialogue between the visitors and the landscape, aligning the architectural experience with the core values of the winery.

Architectural Details

Careful attention to architectural details is evident throughout Stratum. The layered construction emphasizes a sense of depth, mirroring the geological formations of the surrounding land. The ornamental use of glass not only facilitates transparency but also promotes an ongoing connection with the exterior views. Additionally, the strategic placement of windows and sliding doors allows for ample cross-ventilation, enhancing the comfort of the indoor environment.

The ensemble of architectural ideas presents a well-rounded understanding of modern winery design, combining aesthetic considerations with practical functionality. Stratum emerges as a space that respects and amplifies the relationship between architecture, wine, and nature.

For more insights into the architectural plans, sections, and innovative designs that define this project, we encourage readers to delve deeper into the presentation of Stratum. Explore the unique elements and detailed architectural ideas that make this tasting room a notable addition to the landscape of contemporary winery architecture.
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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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