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Rammed Earth Pavilion Featuring Expansive Glass Elements and Timber Integration in a Vineyard Setting

Authors:
Martin Flett, Neil Boyd
Rammed Earth Pavilion Featuring Expansive Glass Elements and Timber Integration in a Vineyard Setting

Project in-detail

Blending rammed earth construction with expansive glass elements, this pavilion takes full advantage of its vineyard location to create an immersive wine tasting experience that connects visitors with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion utilizes locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal performance and site integration.
02
Expansive glass walls create a seamless connection between the interior space and the surrounding vineyard landscape.
03
A sensory garden designed to promote biodiversity complements the architectural experience with rich olfactory and visual elements.
04
Crafted from regional timber, the central tasting table serves as a gathering point, showcasing local craftsmanship.
05
The building incorporates a rainwater harvesting system, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices throughout its design.
The architectural design project at Miradouro do Monte d’Oiro encapsulates a thoughtful synthesis of structure and environment, creating a unique venue situated in the Alentejo wine region. This project serves not only as a functional wine tasting pavilion but also as an educational space that illustrates the relationship between viticulture and the surrounding landscape. The building is conceived as a space where visitors can engage with the essence of the region's winemaking traditions while experiencing the natural beauty of the area.

At its core, the project represents an immersive environment that emphasizes sensory experiences. The architecture promotes a seamless interaction between the building's interior and the picturesque vineyard landscape, inviting guests to appreciate the subtleties of the wine and the region's ecosystem. The design is characterized by its sensitive response to the site's topography, utilizing a combination of sloped roofs, expansive terraces, and strategically placed glass elements. These features not only enhance views but also flood the interiors with natural light, creating an inviting ambiance for visitors.

The pavilion is primarily constructed using locally sourced materials, reflecting a deep respect for sustainable practices. The use of rammed earth as a foundational material provides thermal stability while blending harmoniously with the terrain. This choice not only supports the building's resilience but also reinforces its connection to the earth, making it visually and physically a part of its surroundings. Wood is another prominent material, employed for structural components and finishes, contributing warmth and a tactile quality that enhances the user experience. Large glass panels are thoughtfully integrated, offering unobstructed views of the vineyards and allowing visitors to feel connected to the landscape.

Attention to landscape design plays a significant role in the project’s overall concept, creating pathways that lead to a sensory garden. The garden, meticulously planned, features a variety of local flora that fosters biodiversity and engages visitors’ senses through color, scent, and texture. Water features, such as reflective pools, not only serve aesthetic purposes but also address sustainable water management by incorporating rainwater harvesting techniques. This holistic approach to design further solidifies the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

One unique aspect of the project is the specialized tasting table crafted from locally sourced materials. This central feature encourages interaction and connection among guests, providing a focal point for wine tasting events while showcasing local craftsmanship. The arrangement of spaces within the pavilion fosters movement and engagement, forming a narrative that encapsulates the winemaking process and its roots in the local culture.

The Miradouro do Monte d’Oiro stands as a multifunctional space that accommodates wine tastings, educational discussions, and community events, embodying the principles of sustainable architecture and the importance of cultural identity. The design ensures that each element serves a purpose, facilitating a rich experience that encourages a deeper understanding of the connection between architecture, viticulture, and the environment.

For those interested in exploring the architectural depth of this project, further insights can be found in the detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and unique architectural ideas that significantly contribute to its narrative. Visit the project presentation for a comprehensive view of how these elements come together to create a meaningful architectural experience.
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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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