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Rammed Earth Structure with Corten Steel Elements Overlooking Vineyards

Authors:
Mattia antonino Cuofano, Andrea Brogni, Ludovica Lamoure, Matteo Bonfanti
Rammed Earth Structure with Corten Steel Elements Overlooking Vineyards

Project in-detail

A rammed earth wall and corten steel elements integrate with the landscape, creating a tasting room that fosters a direct connection between visitors and the surrounding vineyards.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal stability while visually connecting the structure to the landscape.
02
Corten steel elements enhance durability and complement the natural surroundings.
03
The tasting room is designed at vine level to foster direct interaction with the vineyards.
04
A modular table shaped like vines allows for flexible configurations and engages visitors.
05
Carefully aligned entry pathways frame scenic views and create a journey through the landscape.

The new tasting room is situated on a sloping landscape that offers impressive views of vineyards. Designed to enhance wine tasting activities, the building faces the sunset, drawing attention to the relationship between indoors and outdoors. This thoughtful layout promotes a connection with nature while providing a functional space that can host various groups.

Architectural Concept
The main idea behind the design is to link the building closely with its natural surroundings. By locating the tasting room at the same level as the vineyards, it creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to engage with the environment. A carefully planned pathway leads guests to the entrance, guiding them through the landscape and providing glimpses of the beauty that unfolds around them.

Spatial Organization
The interior of the tasting room is organized with flexibility in mind, allowing different arrangements for groups ranging from 30 to 35 people. This adaptability fosters social interaction and maintains a cozy atmosphere. The design of the long slope means the building is not fully visible from a distance, creating anticipation as visitors approach the entrance.

Materiality
The choice of materials plays an important role in the overall design. The main wall at the entrance is made of rammed earth, which supports sustainability and blends with the natural landscape. This material also helps to keep the interior cool. Corten steel is used in structural areas to provide strength and durability. Inside, barrique wood adds warmth to the ceiling, while terracotta tiles create a comfortable and inviting floor finish.

Design Detail
A notable feature of the tasting room is the table, designed to interact with the changing sunlight throughout the day. Its modular shape is inspired by the forms of vines, allowing for flexible arrangements based on the size and needs of each group. This table encourages an engaging experience, inviting guests to enjoy both the wine and the surrounding natural landscape that contributes to its essence.

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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

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