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Timber-Made Sanctuary Framing Vineyard Views with French Oak Warmth

Authors:
Sotiris Monachogios, Ioannis Giannakopoulos tselikas
Timber-Made Sanctuary Framing Vineyard Views with French Oak Warmth

Project in-detail

Constructed with Cross Laminated Timber and accented by warm French Oak, the Altar Wine Tasting Room merges sustainable design with panoramic vineyard views, providing a flexible space for wine tasting experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Cross Laminated Timber, enhancing sustainability and structural efficiency.
02
Strategic orientation maximizes vineyard views while managing sunlight exposure.
03
Interior finishes feature warm French Oak, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
04
Flexible layout adapts to various visitor needs and group sizes.
05
Incorporates large windows to integrate natural light and the surrounding landscape.

The Altar Wine Tasting Room is located in a region surrounded by vast vineyards. It is designed to enhance the experience of wine tasting while inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. The space promotes a strong relationship between nature and architecture, encouraging guests to engage with the wines and the views.

Spatial Dynamics

The layout emphasizes flexibility, allowing for different visitor arrangements while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Dominant axes guide movement throughout the interior, creating clear sightlines toward the vineyard. The entrance faces the winery square, making it easy for guests to approach and feel connected to the surroundings right from the start.

Sunlight Management

Managing sunlight is an essential aspect of the design. Studies have shown that the tasting room effectively minimizes direct sunlight exposure throughout the year. This design choice improves comfort for visitors and enhances the overall performance of the building. Attention to solar paths reflects a commitment to sustainability while contributing to an enjoyable experience for guests at any time of the year.

Material Utilization

The choice of materials plays an important role in shaping the character of the tasting room. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels form the main structure, using three layers of wood arranged at right angles. This approach not only allows for more efficient assembly on-site but also supports sustainable practices. The exterior features traditional plaster, which adds both durability and visual charm. On the inside, French Oak introduces warmth and texture, creating a pleasant environment for visitors.

Large windows connect the indoor space with the vineyard, framing beautiful views and inviting natural light inside. This detail enhances the relationship between the tasting room and its surrounding landscape. As sunlight streams in, it creates an open and airy feeling, enriching the overall atmosphere of the space.

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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

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