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Rammed Earth Structure Embracing Vineyard Topography for Tasting Experiences

Authors:
Domininc Fohrer, Luisa Behrendt
Rammed Earth Structure Embracing Vineyard Topography for Tasting Experiences

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth to harmonize with the surrounding vineyards, this winery incorporates the natural topography, offering an immersive tasting experience that connects visitors to the land.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction links the winery to the vineyard's soil.
02
A low-profile design respects traditional building typologies in the region.
03
Framed views of the vineyards enhance the tasting experience throughout the space.
04
The pathway leading to the entrance invites visitor engagement with the landscape.
05
Topography is used to create varying levels for informal gatherings and outdoor tastings.

Quinta Do Monte D'Oiro is a family-run winery located near Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by extensive vineyards that characterize the area. The design concept blends the built environment with the natural landscape, creating a space that enhances the visitor experience while honoring the local culture of wine production. The structure serves both practical and aesthetic functions, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the site.

Structure and Form

The winery features a low-profile design that fits comfortably within the surrounding terrain. An industrial gable roof frames the earth landscape, establishing a visual connection with the vineyards. This design respects traditional structures in the region while making a unique statement in its own right.

Materials and Construction

Rammed earth plays a key role in the construction, establishing a connection to the soil from which the wine is produced. This method not only draws from historical practices in the region, but also ensures effective temperature regulation inside the building. The use of rammed earth highlights the importance of the local environment, embodying the idea of terroir, or the unique characteristics of the land.

Visitor Engagement

The layout encourages interaction for guests, inviting them to walk along a pathway made of rammed earth that leads to the entrance. This pathway creates a sense of anticipation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape before entering the tasting room. Inside, the slightly lowered floor connects visitors to the earth, while framed views of the surrounding vineyards provide enjoyable perspectives without taking focus away from the wine.

Spatial Dynamics

The design supports different ways for visitors to connect during gatherings and events. By using the slope of the site, the architectural form creates varied elevations that enhance the overall experience. Each transition through the space offers a new perspective, drawing attention to the relationship between the building and its natural setting.

The tasting room captures this spirit, offering beautifully framed views of the vineyards that feel like living art. These carefully composed vistas enrich the atmosphere and deepen the visitors' connection to the landscape surrounding the winery.

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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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