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Rammed Earth Walls and Portuguese Cork Elevate Vineyard Tasting Experience

Author:
David Williams
Rammed Earth Walls and Portuguese Cork Elevate Vineyard Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and Portuguese cork create a naturally ventilated environment that supports wine production while ensuring thermal stability and showcasing the surrounding landscape through an accessible tasting room.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass for climate control.
02
A green roof captures rainwater for irrigation.
03
Portuguese cork cladding minimizes daylight heat gain.
04
A ramp provides universal access to the tasting room.
05
The structure is integrated into the natural slope of the landscape.

The design is situated in a landscape that supports wine production, highlighting a direct connection to the earth. Its main goal is to promote sustainability while blending harmoniously with the environment. By using modern architectural techniques, the structure not only meets the needs of wine production but also enhances the visitor experience.

Site Utilization and Accessibility

Rammed earth walls form a key part of the design, drawing inspiration from traditional Portuguese architecture. These walls help the building fit into its surroundings and offer a natural aesthetic. The structure is set into the ground, allowing for better cooling and maintaining ideal conditions for storing wine.

Accessibility is considered in the layout, with a ramp leading up to the tasting room, ensuring that all visitors can easily navigate the space. Electric heating provides comfort during winter, making the interior welcoming regardless of the weather outside.

Sustainability Features

A green roof plays an important role in the project. It collects rainwater which is then used in a graywater system, supporting efficient water management. This feature works alongside natural ventilation, ensuring a pleasant climate indoors.

The use of thermal mass in both interior and exterior spaces helps manage temperature throughout the year. The contrast between dark interiors and bright exteriors creates an appealing atmosphere for guests, encouraging them to enjoy the local wine.

Design Elements

The design incorporates Portuguese cork as cladding, which helps keep the interior cool during hot days. A shaded roof area protects the building from direct sunlight and contributes to maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.

The tasting room layout is designed to offer wide views of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to connect with the environment. The curved facade enhances the feeling of space while providing a smooth flow inside. Extensions of the building offer necessary shade, preventing overheating and promoting natural airflow throughout the area.

Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, ensuring that it functions well while also blending into the natural landscape. The choices made reflect a strong consideration for sustainability and an inviting atmosphere for all who visit.

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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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