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Skylit Tasting Room Embedded in a Natural Embankment with Local Pink Marble

Authors:
Etienne Lombard, Henri Canivez, Ludovic Geraerts
Skylit Tasting Room Embedded in a Natural Embankment with Local Pink Marble
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Embedded into a natural embankment, the tasting room showcases local pink marble and a skylight that floods the interior with light, creating an inviting space for visitors to engage with the surrounding vineyard.
5 key facts about this project
01
Embedded into the site’s existing embankment to minimize visual impact.
02
Incorporates a semi-circular seating arrangement inspired by historical public gathering spaces.
03
Features a skylight that enhances the tasting experience with natural light.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials, including pink marble from the Lisbon region.
05
Highlights cypress trees along the new pathway to the tasting room.

The Monte d'Orio Wine Tasting Room is located in a beautiful vineyard setting. Designed to blend in with its surrounding landscape, the tasting room serves as a space where visitors can enjoy wine while experiencing the natural beauty of the area. The overall design aims to ensure that the structure complements the environment, allowing guests to connect with both the wine and the landscape.

Site Integration
The building is mostly set into the existing embankment of the vineyard. This design choice limits its visibility, allowing the natural landscape to remain the focal point. By keeping the majority of the structure hidden, the design highlights the exceptional views of the vineyard. Visitors experience a sense of discovery as they approach the tasting room, with only the entrance visible from the outside.

Interior Layout
Inside, the layout promotes interaction and engagement among guests. A semi-circular seating arrangement encourages a close-knit atmosphere, resembling historical gathering spaces known as Agora. This thoughtful design allows visitors to select where they want to sit, whether on the grandstand or near the vines. The varied seating options create a relaxed environment that is particularly suited for wine tasting.

Material Considerations
The project uses a variety of local materials, including wood, lime, bricks, stones, and pink marble sourced from the Lisbon region. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic of the tasting room but also reflect traditional building techniques. By utilizing readily available resources, the design emphasizes sustainability and builds a connection to the local context.

Light and Atmosphere
Natural light plays a significant role in the design, with a skylight positioned at the center of the tasting space. This feature allows daylight to flood in, creating a welcoming atmosphere. It enhances the indoor environment and connects the design to its outdoor surroundings. The way light interacts with the space adds to the overall experience, inviting visitors to enjoy both the wines and the views outside. The skylight becomes a central detail, drawing attention and creating a dynamic ambiance throughout the room.

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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?

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