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Rammed Earth Walls Creating Connection With Landscape In a Vineyard Tasting Room

Authors:
Candice Ogando, Devki Desai, Julie Gordonson
Rammed Earth Walls Creating Connection With Landscape In a Vineyard Tasting Room

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced rammed earth, the design seamlessly integrates with its vineyard surroundings, providing an immersive space for wine tasting that highlights the connection between environment and experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls utilize local clay limestone, providing both structural integrity and thermal mass.
02
Panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding vineyards, enhancing visitor engagement.
03
The design incorporates an angular roof for improved natural ventilation and aesthetic appeal.
04
Geothermal systems are integrated for sustainable temperature control throughout the year.
05
Rainwater harvesting is implemented for irrigation and non-potable uses, promoting resource efficiency.

The architectural design project, "Terroir: From Earth to Form," is a wine tasting room located at Monte D'Oro. This structure embodies the relationship between wine production and the concept of terroir, reflecting the local environment's influence on the flavors of wine. The design focuses on creating an engaging experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with the vineyard surroundings while enjoying the wine.

The primary function of this architecture is to provide a dedicated space for wine tasting, equipped to accommodate different group sizes and events. It serves as an educational venue where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the significance of the vineyard ecosystem in wine quality. The design promotes interaction between guests and their environment, making use of panoramic windows that frame views of the grapevines.

The project utilizes specific materials and design elements that distinguish it from typical wine tasting rooms. The use of rammed earth as a primary construction material results in walls that are not only structurally sound but also visually and texturally appealing. Local clay limestone is used to create varying hues, reinforcing the connection to the site's geology. This material provides excellent insulation, enhancing the building's energy efficiency.

The roof's angular form contributes to the architectural identity of the structure while facilitating natural ventilation, which is critical for comfort in a space designed for social engagement. Large, operable windows allow for cross-ventilation and maximize daylight, emphasizing the relationship between the indoor space and the outdoor vineyard landscape.

Sustainability features are central to the design approach. Incorporation of geothermal systems for heating and cooling reduces energy requirements. Rainwater harvesting systems are implemented for landscape irrigation and restroom usage, promoting water conservation. The use of energy-efficient fixtures throughout the space ensures minimal environmental impact during operation.

Distinctively, this project emphasizes a sense of place and cultural relevance, utilizing local materials and traditional building practices to create a meaningful space for wine tasting. It fosters an appreciation for the local terroir by allowing visitors to experience the vineyard's essence in a hands-on manner.

To gain deeper insights into this project, the exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approaches and unique architectural ideas. An in-depth review of these elements will illustrate how this design represents a thoughtful synthesis of functionality and local context.

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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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