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Reinforced Earth Walls and Grapevine Pergolas in Vineyard Retreat

Author:
Joanna Zimna
Reinforced Earth Walls and Grapevine Pergolas in Vineyard Retreat

Project in-detail

Walls of reinforced earth and outdoor pergolas adorned with grapevines create a unique integration with the vineyard landscape, providing a serene retreat for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reinforced earth walls blend with the natural landscape for aesthetic cohesion.
02
Grapevine-covered pergolas enhance outdoor guest experiences and provide shade.
03
The design maintains unobtrusive sightlines to maximize vineyard views.
04
Strategic use of color reflects local earth tones, enhancing environmental integration.
05
Structural stability is ensured through composite columns and beams for seismic resilience.

The Monte d'Oiro vineyard hotel is located in a picturesque vineyard landscape, designed to blend with nature while providing a peaceful escape for visitors. The architecture reflects an understanding of the site’s unique character, focusing on creating spaces that feel connected to the surroundings. The overall design concept prioritizes views of the vineyard, enhancing the experience for those who stay.

Site Integration

The hotel’s design aligns thoughtfully with the existing road and vineyard area, promoting a visual connection with the landscape. The structure is positioned in a natural decline, which helps it remain low-profile and unobtrusive. This choice ensures that the beautiful vineyard views are not overshadowed by the building itself, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery and the sense of calm that it brings.

Material Choices

Material selection plays an important role in the overall design. The walls are made of reinforced earth, contributing to a natural look that harmonizes with the land. This material reflects the earthy colors found in the environment, enhancing the hotel’s connection to its setting. Additionally, the use of wood accents throughout the design adds warmth, making the space feel inviting and family-friendly.

Design Elements

Prominent design features include pergolas situated in front of hotel rooms and on terraces, which are covered in lush grapevines. These structures provide shade and highlight the hotel’s relationship with wine production. This design encourages guests to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the vineyard. It also fosters a greater appreciation of the local landscape and culture, enriching the overall visitor experience.

Structural Considerations

The design incorporates considerations for seismic activity, using reinforced composite columns and beams to ensure stability. This aspect of the construction reflects careful planning to address safety while maintaining a focus on aesthetic appeal. The result is a hotel that stands strong within its natural context and can withstand the demands of its environment.

The design concludes with inviting outdoor spaces where guests can relax under shaded pergolas, surrounded by greenery that connects the architecture to the vineyard. This arrangement creates a pleasant atmosphere that draws visitors into the charm of the landscape and the story of the place.

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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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