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Bioclimatic Retreat with Rammed Earth Walls and a Musical Cloak

Author:
Ioannis Katsiavos
Bioclimatic Retreat with Rammed Earth Walls and a Musical Cloak

Project in-detail

The Musical Cloak envelops a bioclimatic retreat, featuring rammed earth walls that blend seamlessly with the vineyard landscape while providing an immersive experience for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
The hotel incorporates a Musical Cloak that generates soundscapes through wind interaction.
02
Rammed earth walls connect the structure to the local landscape with low environmental impact.
03
Cork insulation enhances energy efficiency while using locally sourced materials.
04
Outdoor terraces are strategically placed to maximize vineyard views and guest interaction with nature.
05
The layout includes pathways that lead directly from the hotel to the vineyard’s wine streets.

The Monte D'Oiro Wine Hotel is located within a scenic vineyard, designed to offer guests an engaging experience that aligns with the surrounding landscape. The project centers on the idea of the "Musical Cloak," which illustrates the bond between the constructed environment and nature. The design aims to enhance how visitors interact with both the space and the winery through its thoughtful organization and integration with the vineyard.

Conceptual Framework
The layout features simple forms and patterns that reflect the shapes found in the vineyard. Each pathway guides visitors through the hotel and leads to the wine streets, inviting a deeper relationship with the natural setting. From various vantage points inside the hotel, guests enjoy expansive views of the vineyard, creating an ongoing connection to the environment.

Musical Cloak
A key element of the hotel is the Musical Cloak, which wraps around the building and serves several functions. It provides shelter from sunlight, shapes sounds through movements of the wind, and supports bioclimatic principles. The cloak adds a dynamic quality to the space, enhancing the overall sensory experience for those inside.

Material Selection
In terms of materials, rammed earth was chosen for the walls, reinforcing the connection to the local landscape and minimizing environmental impact. This choice grounds the building in its context while embodying a commitment to sustainability. Cork is also used within the design, offering insulation and highlighting the focus on using locally sourced materials that align with the project’s vision.

Outdoor terraces and observation points amplify the connection to the vineyard. These spaces encourage relaxation and contemplation, bridging indoor and outdoor experiences. The architecture integrates with the vineyard's story, promoting a greater appreciation for the landscape and the craft of winemaking.

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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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