Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sunken Room Crafted From Pigmented Concrete and Local Limestone Offering Immersive Wine Experience

Authors:
Liam Mulheran, Michael Denyer
Sunken Room Crafted From Pigmented Concrete and Local Limestone Offering Immersive Wine Experience

Project in-detail

A sunken wine room constructed from pigmented concrete and local limestone seamlessly integrates into the landscape while providing an immersive tasting experience that emphasizes communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sunken design minimizes visual disruption and enhances integration with the landscape.
02
Extensive use of pigmented concrete ensures durability while harmonizing with natural surroundings.
03
The layout promotes communal engagement with a large central tasting table.
04
Large glass panels maximize natural light and views of the vineyard.
05
Local limestone flooring provides a tactile connection to the site's regional identity.
The Sunken Wine Room project at Monte de’Orio is an architectural design that integrates a wine tasting space with the existing winery infrastructure and the natural landscape. This project emphasizes the relationship between architecture and environment, creating a unique visitor experience enhanced by its integration into the hillside.

The primary function of the Sunken Wine Room is to provide a dedicated area for wine tasting and social interaction. The layout emphasizes communal engagement, featuring a central table designed to accommodate both group tastings and private sample sessions. The facility connects to an exterior terrace, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards and surrounding landscape, which fosters an immersive experience in the local winemaking tradition.

Architectural design choices are central to this project’s identity. The use of pigmented concrete provides durability and a visual harmony with the earth tones prevalent in the region. The flooring comprises Portuguese limestone, contributing a tactile quality while maintaining regional relevance. Timber elements featured throughout the space, particularly in the ceiling beams and furnishings, introduce warmth and texture, contrasting effectively with the concrete.

The sunken aspect of the design is particularly noteworthy. By being partially embedded in the landscape, the Sunken Wine Room minimizes disruption to the site’s visual continuity and highlights the natural topography. This approach not only enhances aesthetic integration but also preserves the site’s ecological character. Natural light, facilitated by extensive glazing, penetrates the interior, altering throughout the day to enrich the wine tasting experience.

An important detail is the design of the service counter, which serves as both an operational hub and a visual focal point, further emphasizing the communal nature of the space. The layout promotes fluid movement between the tasting area and the exterior terrace, enhancing connectivity and encouraging interaction among visitors.

Unique to this project is its commitment to sustainable architectural practices. The choice of materials and the sunken design reduce the environmental footprint while reflecting the winery's dedication to ecological stewardship. This approach to design not only addresses functional needs but also creates a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the area's cultural heritage.

Through a clear focus on function, materiality, and environmental integration, the Sunken Wine Room at Monte de’Orio exemplifies thoughtful architectural design. For a comprehensive exploration of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, interested readers are encouraged to review the full presentation of this architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy