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Wine Tasting Room with Corten Steel Facades and Rammed Earth Walls Emphasizing Environmental Integration

Authors:
Zach Morgan, John Wischmeyer
Wine Tasting Room with Corten Steel Facades and Rammed Earth Walls Emphasizing Environmental Integration

Project in-detail

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Portugal, this wine tasting room masterfully combines rammed earth walls and oxidized Corten steel to create a flexible, immersive space that invites visitors to engage with the winemaking process and the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building incorporates rammed earth walls that provide natural insulation and reflect the local geology, enhancing its environmental performance.
02
Corten steel was strategically utilized for the facade, developing a weathered patina that harmonizes with the vineyard setting while ensuring long-term durability.
03
The flexible layout features sliding glass walls, allowing the tasting room to adapt to varying group sizes and open up to the outdoor terrace during pleasant weather.
04
An integrated herb garden is designed to be used in wine pairings, offering educational opportunities for visitors to explore the relationship between local produce and wine.
05
The project emphasizes a layered spatial experience, guiding visitors through distinct areas that reveal different aspects of the winemaking process and landscape.
The Stratum Monte d’Oiro Tasting Room is an architectural project designed for Quinta do Monte d’Oiro, a distinguished winery. This project embodies the principles of thoughtful architecture that respects and enhances its natural surroundings. The tasting room serves a crucial function, providing a space for visitors to engage with the winemaking process while enjoying the scenic landscape that defines the region. The architecture is carefully crafted to create an inviting atmosphere that facilitates exploration and interaction, serving as a bridge between the winery’s operations and the visitors’ experience.

The project is characterized by its multi-layered design, which integrates various elements to construct a cohesive experience. From the entrance, visitors are guided into a thoughtfully designed pathway, leading them toward the heart of the tasting experience. This layout not only emphasizes circulation but also ensures that guests have a clear sense of movement through both indoor and outdoor spaces. These circulation pathways are essential in creating a seamless journey from the tasting room to the vineyard, allowing visitors to appreciate each layer of the winery’s offerings.

One of the most significant aspects of this architectural project is its sensitivity to the environment. The design utilizes locally-sourced materials, which resonate with the region's character. The use of rammed earth walls contributes to the thermal efficiency of the building while offering an aesthetic that is grounded in the local tradition. Corten steel accents, employed particularly in the sliding door systems, enhance the building's rustic appearance while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. The combination of these materials showcases a commitment to sustainable design practices that align with the winery's values.

Architecturally, the building presents a carefully composed structure that prioritizes both functionality and beauty. The layered design allows for a variety of spatial experiences. The upper terrace opens dramatically to panoramic views of the vineyard, inviting guests to enjoy their surroundings. In contrast, the lower level serves as the main tasting area, featuring flexible spaces that can adapt to different group sizes and occasions. This adaptability is a hallmark of modern architectural design, allowing for a range of events, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, ensuring the space meets diverse needs.

The integration of glass elements within the architecture enhances the connection to the outdoor environment. Large windows and sliding doors facilitate natural light infiltration and create an uninterrupted visual link between the interior and exterior. This design choice not only fosters a connection with nature but also reinforces the sensory experience of tasting wine amid the landscape that produces it. The design encourages visitors to move freely between indoors and outdoors, thus enriching their engagement with the site.

In terms of unique design approaches, the project exemplifies a modern, user-centric philosophy that emphasizes interaction with both the architecture and the vineyard. The carefully considered flexibility of spaces allows for a rich experiential layer, accommodating various functions and events that support community engagement. Moreover, the project reflects a commitment to creating a welcoming environment, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural and sensory richness of winemaking.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, it is beneficial to explore the details of the project presentation, including architectural plans, sections, and designs. These elements can provide further insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define the Stratum Monte d’Oiro Tasting Room. Engaging with these materials may enhance appreciation for the thoughtful design strategies employed within this project.
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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
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