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Rammed Earth Vault Embracing Natural Views for Wine Tasting

Authors:
Lucas Hadjimichalis, Tristan Welty, Pierre Testet
Rammed Earth Vault Embracing Natural Views for Wine Tasting

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth, this wine tasting space is partially underground, maximizing thermal efficiency while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from rammed red earth, enhancing environmental sustainability.
02
Partially underground design optimizes thermal efficiency and comfort.
03
Strategically oriented to capture uninterrupted natural views for visitors.
04
Interior spaces foster a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Emphasizes a seamless integration of wine tasting and dining experiences.

The Wine Vault is a wine tasting space at Quinta do Monte d'Oiro, designed to blend with the surrounding landscape while enhancing visitor experiences. The structure is partly built underground, which allows guests to enjoy wine tasting without outside interruptions. This design focuses on the connection between architecture and nature, creating a serene place that celebrates both the local environment and the wines crafted at the estate.

Architecture Concept

The design highlights the relationship between the building and its landscape. By placing the structure partially underground, it provides a cozy, inviting space that encourages visitors to connect with nature. The careful positioning of the building is intended to maximize views of the landscape while minimizing impact on the land. This approach provides a tranquil environment for tasting and appreciation.

Material Efficiency

Rammed red earth is the primary building material, selected for its natural insulating properties. This material helps maintain a consistent internal climate that is ideal for storing wine. Using rammed earth demonstrates a focus on sustainable building practices while also ensuring the comfort of visitors. The inclusion of natural ground and gravel as foundational elements further supports the project’s commitment to working in harmony with its environment.

Interior Space Design

The interior of the Wine Vault is designed for both tasting and dining, encouraging full engagement with the wines. The underground nature of the space fosters a secluded atmosphere, allowing patrons to concentrate on the flavors and aromas of the wines as well as the beauty of their surroundings. Each area is thoughtfully arranged, enhancing both functionality and the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Natural light filters through openings in the structure, illuminating the interior while framing views of the landscape outside. The design allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the wine estate without distractions. This attention to detail creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the connection between the wine, the environment, and the people enjoying it.

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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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