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Aged Oak Slats and Permeable Surfaces in Vineyard Guest Homes

Author:
Arthur Schellenberg
Aged Oak Slats and Permeable Surfaces in Vineyard Guest Homes
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Aged oak slats and permeable surfaces create a sustainable framework for guest homes that harmonize with the natural rhythms of the vineyard, offering a unique space for communal living and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aligned with five solar events for optimal natural light.
02
Features a central sundial and fire pit to enhance communal gatherings.
03
Constructed with aged oak slats resembling wine barrel staves.
04
Utilizes a gray water system to support sustainable landscaping.
05
Incorporates permeable materials for effective water management.

The Sunrise Guest Homes are designed to connect visitors with the surrounding vineyard while reflecting the themes of winemaking and community. The setting is visually appealing, offering an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the experience of the land. Each home carefully addresses its surroundings, creating a space where storytelling and social interaction can flourish. The arrangement of the structures is influenced by the movement of the sun, highlighting the relationship between architecture and nature.

Architectural Orientation

Each guest home is aligned with five specific solar events: the Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, and November 11th. This thoughtful orientation allows for east-facing bedrooms that capture the sunrise, offering light and warmth each morning. The western side includes a sundial and a fire pit, creating a central space for gatherings. This arrangement encourages connections among guests, promoting an inviting atmosphere that resonates with shared experiences.

Sustainable Systems

The design incorporates various sustainable features to minimize environmental impact. Solar panels are placed on the roofs, which convert sunlight into electricity, helping to meet the homes' energy needs. Additionally, wind turbines contribute further energy, creating a fuller commitment to renewable resources. This focus on energy efficiency aligns with modern values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Material Expression

Materials selected for the homes create a link to the world of winemaking. Aged oak slats are used for cladding, where their appearance mirrors the staves of wine barrels. The wood offers a pleasing aesthetic and enhances insulation, ensuring comfort inside. Stone foundations provide stability and connect the buildings to the land, grounding them within the natural setting.

Water Management

Efficient water management is another important element of the design. The use of permeable surfaces allows rainwater to soak into the ground, supporting local ecology. Water conservation extends to the use of a gray water system, which collects and repurposes wastewater for irrigation. This thoughtful approach reinforces the commitment to sustainable resource use and aligns with the overall environmental goals of the project.



Spaces oriented towards the west invite guests to enjoy sunset views, encouraging moments of reflection as the day comes to an end.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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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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