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Reflections of Glass and Time in a Vineyard Experience

Author:
Rish Saito
Reflections of Glass and Time in a Vineyard Experience

Project in-detail

Mirrored glass facades reflect the surrounding vineyard environment while interior spaces inspire contemplation and interaction, creating a unique setting for wine tasting experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored glass facades enhance the relationship between interior spaces and the vineyard landscape.
02
The design includes a wine vending machine, allowing customized tasting experiences.
03
Each room represents a distinct narrative based on themes of time: past, present, and future.
04
Cylindrical wine storage integrates a spiral staircase for functional elegance.
05
Interior furniture features a liquid-like design, blurring traditional aesthetic boundaries.

Through the Looking Glass is an architectural design that delves into the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, set in the backdrop of a scenic vineyard. The design features a series of cube-like volumes that are covered in mirrored glass, effectively reflecting the surrounding landscape. This approach helps to lessen the visual footprint of the structure, allowing it to blend into its natural surroundings. Each space is specifically crafted to enhance the experience of wine tasting, creating distinct atmospheres that invite visitors to engage with both the sensory and temporal aspects of the activity.

Room of the Past

The Room of the Past draws inspiration from Baroque architecture, showcasing a formal layout characterized by symmetry. This space enhances the traditional experience of wine tasting. Inside, furniture designed to resemble liquid form is complemented by glass wall decor, which distorts the vineyard views subtly. This design choice encourages guests to reflect on historical practices associated with wine enjoyment, fostering a sense of connection to a different time.

Room of the Present

Conversely, the Room of the Present offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere for social interaction. Here, the connection between interior and exterior is blurred through the use of window treatments and curtain-like elements. These features allow the landscape to influence the space's overall feel. The furniture celebrates imperfections, highlighting the beauty found in wear and tear over time. Additionally, a wine vending machine adds a modern touch, giving guests the opportunity to customize their wine choices, creating an engaging and personal tasting experience.

Room of the Future

The Room of the Future presents a contemplative environment that merges technology with natural elements. In this space, futuristic machinery contrasts with organic details like glowing weeds. This design implies the idea that natural phenomena can be replicated through technology. The room emphasizes the complexity of wine aging, framing it as a chemical process that can be refined to meet individual preferences, enhancing the overall enjoyment of tasting.

Timeless Elements

The project includes a cylindrical wine shelf featuring an integrated spiral staircase, which keeps the storage functional yet visually understated. The bathroom follows a similar principle, prioritizing utility over decoration. This design approach reinforces the themes of openness and the changing nature of time related to wine tasting. Thoughtful details throughout the space encourage visitors to take their time, creating a rich sensory experience that lingers beyond their 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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