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Charred Wood and Cotto Brick Retreats Enhancing Vineyard Experiences

Authors:
Alba Duarte, Emanuel Grave, Marta Gonçalves, Klára Voráčová
Charred Wood and Cotto Brick Retreats Enhancing Vineyard Experiences
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Crafted from charred wood and traditional cotto bricks, the retreat harmonizes with the Monti Subasio landscape while offering a communal space for wine tasting and guest accommodation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with repurposed cotto bricks from local heritage structures.
02
Includes private terraces for each guest house, enhancing outdoor connectivity.
03
Strategically incorporates rainwater collection systems for sustainability.
04
Features communal tables to promote social interaction among guests.
05
Surrounded by preserved pine trees, creating a natural entry point.

The Wine Story project is located in the foothills of Monte Subasio, near Assisi. It serves Tili Vini Italy, a boutique winery, and is designed to reflect the essence of a traditional village. Multiple buildings are organized to foster connection among guests while also providing private spaces. This careful arrangement creates strong ties between the architecture and the surrounding vineyards, enhancing the wine tasting experience.

Main Building Functionality

The main building is central to the project, incorporating a reception area, a wine tasting room, and a kitchen. The tasting room features a communal table that encourages guests to engage with one another. This setup not only facilitates social interaction but also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the views of the vineyards. The design promotes a sense of community, making it a welcoming space for all.

Guest House Layout

Guest houses are intentionally spaced to ensure privacy while maintaining easy access to shared areas. Each house consists of distinct living and sleeping sections, creating comfortable and peaceful retreats. Large windows in both living rooms and bedrooms frame views of the vineyards. This design choice connects indoor spaces with the natural beauty outside, allowing guests to enjoy the landscape from within.

Landscape Integration

The landscape design enhances the overall experience, with preserved pine trees marking the entrance. These trees guide visitors and create a natural transition into the space. Each guest house is paired with a unique fruit tree, inviting residents to engage with the local environment. Paths wind through the landscape, encouraging exploration and interaction, blending built spaces with nature.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability practices play an important role in the design, reflecting the commitment to environmental responsibility. The project includes systems for rainwater collection, solar energy, and radiant heating. These features minimize ecological impact and promote energy efficiency. Materials such as wooden framing, charred wood cladding, and traditional handmade "cotto" bricks connect modern construction with local heritage. The interior finishes, including beige lime wash and polished concrete flooring, add warmth while providing a comfortable environment.

Natural light shifts throughout the day, emphasizing the unique qualities of the architecture and framing views of the surrounding vineyards. This encourages guests to engage with the landscape and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere offered by The Wine Story.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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