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Central Courtyard Surrounded by Asymmetrical Guest Houses with Concrete and Wood Materials

Authors:
Francisco Cunha, Manuel Zucchi, Angel Montero
Central Courtyard Surrounded by Asymmetrical Guest Houses with Concrete and Wood Materials

Project in-detail

Asymmetrical guest houses orbit a central courtyard, constructed with concrete and wood materials, providing modern accommodations that harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Asymmetrical layout enhances privacy while fostering community interaction.
02
Central courtyard design integrates social and natural elements effectively.
03
Construction utilizes locally sourced concrete and sustainably harvested wood.
04
Private gardens adjacent to each guest house provide outdoor retreats.
05
Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximizes natural light and landscape views.

The Tili Guest Homes project is located in Vald’Umbria and is designed to provide high-quality accommodations that harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape. This architectural endeavor consists of five individual guest houses grouped around a central courtyard, creating a communal space that fosters interaction among guests while maintaining opportunities for privacy. The design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal, catering to the needs of visitors seeking comfort and connection to nature.

Spatial Considerations

The arrangement of the guest houses around the central courtyard epitomizes effective spatial organization. Each unit features its own private garden, enhancing the experience of seclusion while directly engaging with the courtyard space. This layout encourages social interaction without compromising individual privacy. The open central area serves as a gathering point, promoting community activities and outdoor engagement.

Material and Structural Choices

Materials play a crucial role in the Tili Guest Homes project. Concrete forms the structural backbone, offering durability and stability in various weather conditions. Wood is extensively used in the internal framing and finishes, lending warmth to the interiors. Glazing is strategically placed to maximize natural light and views, while sustainable insulation materials optimize energy use.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of this project is its commitment to sustainability and local context. The architectural design reflects regional characteristics through its material choices and construction techniques, aligning with local building practices. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic value but also supports environmental sustainability by utilizing locally-sourced materials.

The integration of a rounded courtyard design is unique among similar projects, as it creates a fluid connection between private and communal spaces. Covered walkways surround the courtyard, enhancing accessibility and encouraging movement throughout the site. Furthermore, the inclusion of a communal restaurant and a wine cellar adds a social dimension, allowing guests to experience local cuisine and culture firsthand.

Exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the functional layout and spatial dynamics of the Tili Guest Homes project. The architectural ideas behind this design are rooted in a respect for the environment and an understanding of community interaction. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into this project to appreciate its architectural intricacies and thoughtful design elements.

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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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