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Burnt Cork and Vernacular Brick Guesthouses for Vineyard Retreat

Author:
3dm Architecture
Burnt Cork and Vernacular Brick Guesthouses for Vineyard Retreat
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Combining burnt cork and vernacular brick, the design offers private guesthouses that connect visitors to the surrounding vineyard while emphasizing sustainability and traditional craftsmanship.
5 key facts about this project
01
Burnt cork used in construction enhances insulation and fire resistance.
02
Vernacular brick flooring draws on local craftsmanship and traditions.
03
Private terraces provide unique views of the surrounding vineyards.
04
Outdoor kitchens promote communal dining experiences in the natural setting.
05
The design integrates landscape elements, creating a seamless connection with nature.

*TERRA* is situated within the scenic landscape of Tili Vini Winery, creating a space that celebrates the craft of winemaking. Its design concept emphasizes comfort and community, inviting visitors to connect with both the natural surroundings and cultural traditions. The project aims to blend historical practices with modern needs, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.

Design Approach

The architectural form of TERRA is carefully designed to reflect the historical context of the site. The extension maintains similar massing and tilted roofs, allowing it to fit harmoniously with the existing structure. This thoughtful design creates five separate guest houses, each featuring private outdoor spaces that provide views of the vineyards and surrounding landscapes.

Spatial Organization

Interiors are organized around two main principles: ‘ORA’ for the present and ‘TERRA’ for the past. ‘ORA’ spaces have smooth finishes and a contemporary feel, while ‘TERRA’ areas embrace a more rustic aesthetic that evokes nostalgia. This thoughtful arrangement of spaces enhances the user experience and strengthens the connection to winemaking traditions.

Sustainability and Materials

Sustainability is an important focus in TERRA. The selection of materials includes burnt cork, local brick flooring, plaster, paint, and ecoclay panels. Each of these materials plays a role in enhancing the sensory quality of the spaces. They help create an environment that is both connected to local craftsmanship and mindful of ecological impacts.

Community Engagement

The design features communal spaces that encourage social interaction among guests, an important aspect of Italian culture. The dining area preserves elements of the existing building while accommodating various social functions, highlighting the tradition of shared meals. Additional outdoor kitchens and fire pits create inviting areas for gatherings, enhancing the experience within the winery.

The pool is designed horizontally, providing a reflective surface that interacts with the landscape, bringing nature into the architectural narrative. This detail draws attention to the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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