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Rammed Earth Walls and Pivoting Bays Enhance Vineyard Tasting Experience

Authors:
Yves Micault, Nathanaël Pinard, Victor Dussap
Rammed Earth Walls and Pivoting Bays Enhance Vineyard Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and fitted with pivoting bays that open to panoramic vineyard views, the design serves as an inviting tasting room that emphasizes the connection between architecture and landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth, reflecting regional building traditions.
02
Features wide pivoting bays that enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
03
Includes a below square designed as an outdoor extension of the tasting room.
04
Curved roof design allows for ample natural light while ensuring structural safety.
05
Lighting elements integrate recycled materials, promoting sustainability in design.

Tasty Tank is situated in the heart of the Portuguese vineyard landscape, designed to blend with its natural surroundings. The building functions primarily as a tasting room, inviting visitors to experience the local wine culture while taking in the scenic views. The overall design emphasizes connection—to both the environment and the traditions of the region, using a thoughtful approach that respects local architecture.

Spatial Composition
The layout features distinct areas that support movement and interaction among visitors. The below square extends from the tasting room, serving as an outdoor space for activities and gatherings. The high square offers a vantage point to admire the lush vineyard views. This arrangement creates an inviting flow, encouraging individuals to engage with the space and its natural beauty.

Architectural Features
One of the focal points of the design is the curved roof, which allows ample natural light to wash over the interior. The pivoting wide bays open toward the vineyard, enhancing the connection between inside and out. This aspect not only improves the experience for guests but also allows the room to open fully to the below square when desired, offering a broader interaction with the landscape.

Materiality and Lighting
Throughout the building, materials reflect a commitment to local craft and tradition. Walls made from rammed earth, finished with white lime plaster, echo the regional architectural style. The roofing utilizes white perforated sheets, maintaining an airy quality while allowing light to filter through. Thoughtful lighting design enhances the atmosphere, featuring integrated fixtures that create dynamic effects as natural light changes throughout the day.

Design Details
Attention is given to design elements integrated into the space, such as the inclusion of recycled bottles along the staircase. This choice scatters light and introduces an artistic aspect to the interior. These details not only provide visual interest but also reinforce the project’s sustainability approach. The design invites people to connect with both the architecture and the surrounding vineyards, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local environment.

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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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