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Spherical Lighting and Limestone Walls Define a Communal Tasting Space

Author:
Katie Vasbinder
Spherical Lighting and Limestone Walls Define a Communal Tasting Space

Project in-detail

A sculptural light fixture flows along the central axis, illuminating limestone walls and inviting visitors to gather in a communal tasting room that celebrates the local vineyard experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The central table serves as a symbolic element for communal gathering.
02
Sculptural lighting represents the growth of grapes throughout the space.
03
Large glazed openings provide uninterrupted views of the vineyard landscape.
04
Stone walls anchor the design, connecting to local architectural traditions.
05
Seating is crafted from native Portuguese cork, enhancing local materials use.

Md'O Vineyard Tasting Room, referred to as "The Gathering," is set within the scenic backdrop of a vineyard. The building functions as a communal space designed for wine tasting and education, allowing visitors to fully engage with the winemaking process. The central concept revolves around a long axial table, which fosters social interactions among guests and reflects elements of traditional Portuguese architecture.

Architectural Layout

The layout of the tasting room follows an axial plan that aligns with the surrounding structures. This thoughtful design enhances the sense of connection to its environment. The long table at the center serves as a focal point, inviting visitors to come together. This arrangement not only encourages conversation but also deepens the relationship between the indoor space and the vineyard.

Structural Components

Stone walls are used to anchor the ends of the room, providing stability and a link to local building traditions. Wood timbers are incorporated throughout, adding warmth to the interior. These materials blend to create a space that respects its rustic roots while incorporating modern design elements.

Natural Light and Views

Large glazed openings allow natural light to fill the interior while framing beautiful views of the vineyard. These windows create a bright and airy atmosphere, drawing the landscape inside and enhancing the experience of wine tasting. Visitors can appreciate the scenery while enjoying their time in the tasting room.

Artistic Elements

A sculptural light feature runs along the central axis, representing the growth of grapes. This artistic piece guides the visitor's eye from the entrance to the fireplace, where the light culminates in a larger sphere. This design detail adds a dynamic element to the space and encourages a sense of movement throughout the room.

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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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