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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

Project in-detail

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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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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