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Reflection Fountain and Local Limestone Define a Modern Winery Experience

Authors:
Johnathen Day, Nathan Skrepcinski, Isaac Riu, Anthony Coscia
Reflection Fountain and Local Limestone Define a Modern Winery Experience

Project in-detail

A reflection fountain encircles a linear structure of local limestone, creating a unique environment for wine tasting that emphasizes connections between water, nature, and the cultivation of fine wines.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflection fountain enhances the connection between water and winemaking.
02
Local limestone cut in horizontal strips references vineyard rows.
03
Linear structure promotes social interaction among up to 30 guests.
04
Retractable doors facilitate natural ventilation and outdoor access.
05
Custom French oak tasting table fosters conversation during wine tasting.

Quinta do Monte d'Oiro is located in Estremadura, Alenquer, north of Lisbon, an area known for its excellent terroir that has supported winemaking since the 17th century. The winery blends wine production, gastronomy, and thoughtful design, focusing on sustainability and community. It invites visitors to enjoy wine tasting while experiencing the beauty of the vineyard.

Design Layout

The building features a linear arrangement that encourages social interaction among guests, accommodating up to 30 people. This layout promotes a friendly environment for relaxation and tasting. A standout element is the reflection fountain surrounding the wine tasting room. It highlights the connection between water and winemaking, adding an engaging visual aspect to the experience.

Natural Light Integration

Natural light is integral to the design. Large glass panels are used throughout the building, allowing sunlight to fill the spaces and offering views of the vineyard. Retractable doors create a strong link between inside and outside, promoting airflow while enhancing the connection to the landscape.

Architectural Features

The roof of Quinta do Monte d'Oiro has a sculptural form that adds visual interest and assists with lighting. It allows for natural light to filter in and frames scenic views of the surroundings. This thoughtful design feature helps create a welcoming atmosphere at different times of the day.

Material Selection

The project primarily uses locally sourced limestone and smooth-troweled plaster. The limestone is cut into horizontal strips that resemble the rows of vines, establishing a connection to the vineyard. The white plaster serves to unify the aesthetic with other buildings in the area, respecting the local architectural style.

A notable detail is the tasting table made from French oak, which mirrors the barrels used for aging wine. This table design fosters conversation and interaction among guests, adding to the overall experience of wine tasting at Quinta do Monte d'Oiro.

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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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