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Rammed Earth Retreat Blending Seamlessly with Vineyard Landscape and Fostering Community Connection

Authors:
Lavinia Stefan, Cristiana Roman, Melania Dulamea, Bogdan Pasat
Rammed Earth Retreat Blending Seamlessly with Vineyard Landscape and Fostering Community Connection

Project in-detail

Emerging from the landscape with rammed earth walls and expansive glass façades, the design creates a harmonious connection with the vineyard environment, offering a unique guest experience that emphasizes community and tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local rammed earth for thermal efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
02
Incorporates large glass façades to create seamless connections between indoor spaces and the landscape.
03
Features a central courtyard that fosters communal interactions among guests.
04
Employs passive ventilation with Canadian Wells for natural climate control.
05
Integrates green roofs and vine-covered pergolas to enhance biodiversity and visual appeal.

The Tili Vini Italy Guest Homes project is a thoughtful architectural endeavor nestled in the beautiful landscape near Assisi, Italy, an area renowned for its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. The design of this project reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and a deep respect for the surrounding environment. By subtly merging contemporary architectural elements with local traditions, the guest homes serve not only as accommodations but also as an extension of the vineyard experience, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

At its core, the project represents an intention to harmonize with the site while enhancing the visitor experience. The design functions primarily as a set of guest accommodations that prioritize comfort and privacy, enabling guests to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside while having opportunities for communal interactions. The layout is carefully crafted to facilitate both private moments and social gatherings, striking a balance that enhances the overall stay. This dual-purpose approach reflects an understanding of modern hospitality needs, aiming to create a welcoming environment.

One of the notable aspects of the project is its architectural configuration. The design adopts a mono-volume structure that minimizes its visual impact on the landscape. This consideration for scale and massing plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural aesthetics of the area. A series of guest rooms arranged around a central courtyard creates a communal heart for the development, fostering a sense of community among visitors while offering each unit a unique connection to the external landscape. The incorporation of natural materials, such as rammed earth and large glass windows, contributes to a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The choice of materials is both strategic and symbolic. Rammed earth serves as not only a primary structural component but also a visual anchor, connecting the buildings to the local terrain. The earthy tones and texture of this material reflect the surrounding environment, ensuring that the architecture feels integral to the landscape. Large areas of glass are utilized to maximize natural light and provide sweeping views of the vineyard, inviting the landscape into the interiors. This transparency blurs boundaries, enhancing the feeling of being nestled within nature rather than isolated from it.

In terms of sustainability, the design employs various innovative approaches to reduce the ecological footprint. Passive ventilation strategies are incorporated, such as the use of Canadian Wells, which allow for natural temperature regulation. This method supports energy efficiency, a critical consideration in contemporary architectural practices. The thermal mass of the rammed-earth walls further aids in maintaining comfortable indoor climates, showcasing a commitment to both comfort and environmental responsibility.

The project also includes green roofs and vegetative elements, which not only enhance biodiversity but create a dynamic relationship with the surroundings. The integration of grapevines as part of the exterior landscape reinforces the connection to the vineyard, creating a multi-sensory experience for guests. This thoughtful landscaping fosters an immersive environment, promoting an understanding and appreciation of the agricultural context.

Unique design approaches, such as the modular nature of the guest homes, reflect a modern interpretation of traditional techniques. The application of prototype design allows for efficient construction without compromising the identity of each unit. This approach promotes scalability while honoring local architectural traditions, further rooting the project in its specific context.

As a whole, the Tili Vini Italy Guest Homes project serves as a case study in contemporary architecture that respects both history and environment. It exemplifies how thoughtful design can create spaces that are not only functional but also enriching to the human experience. For those interested in exploring the architectural nuances, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, a thorough review of the project presentation is highly encouraged. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the thought processes and design strategies that define this unique architectural endeavor.

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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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