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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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