The project is structured by two main ideas: the landscape as the prime-matter (1) and as a way to frame the views (2).
(1) The building's form is generated by a series of transformations that shape it to its final form. Firstly a simple extrusion rises from the earth's platform. In function of the wanted visual framing of the landscape, the form is carved in order to open itself to the surroundings. An exception is generated; a volume that rises above the others and states itself in the site. Lastly, the high volume is separated from the ground in order to be autonomous and distinguishable. The building is therefore moulded from the land and it carves itself open to the landscape that surrounds.
(2) The way the building is located in the site derives from the strong vine orientation that generate alignments throughout the valleys and elevations in the landscape. Therefore a long access path to building is designed parallel to the vineyard, generating a gradual approach to the building while interacting with the environment. This way, the building functions also as a viewfinder. It only reveals parts of the surrounding landscape, emphasizing each single relation. In this project, natural light has been approached as a material which takes substantial importance for how it shapes the expressiveness of the spaces. In order to acquire great quality in the production of wine, the spaces where the wine rests, need to be correctly and constantly illuminated. Therefore, because almost all of the building is buried or semi-buried, it was intended that every single working space had the most suitable amount of natural light. Thus, to bring light to those spaces, different types and sizes of skylights were used to allow for the northern light to lighten diffusely the interior spaces.
It was intended to work with a continuous and natural skin for the whole building that could emphasize its conceptual idea. Therefore, Cork became a great choice of material to apply to all façades. Because Portugal produces 40% of the world's cork, this is a material that is very available locally and which is very expressive, especialy throughout its life, when the original browny colours start to fade and become more heterogeneous. Cork was an obvious option as well, to provide exterior thermal isolation to the whole building with a 100% natural and recyclable product, closely linked with the wine production.
