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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Define an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Italy

Author:
Rafael Pereira
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Define an Eco-Friendly Retreat in Italy

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design embodies a sustainable retreat that seamlessly integrates into its Italian landscape, offering accommodations dedicated to the preservation of olive oil.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles that enhance weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a central atrium designed to facilitate community interaction and social gatherings.
04
The layout employs a circular flow to maximize accessibility and visitor movement.
05
Landscaping integrates native plants and olive groves to strengthen ecological connections.

## Overview

Verde Accommodation is an extension of Casa Verde, designed to respond to its geographical and cultural context. This facility features a dedicated cellar for the preservation of local olive oil, enhancing the visitor experience while reflecting the local environment through its material choices and spatial dynamics.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The design employs a single-story layout organized around a central atrium, promoting fluid circulation and community interaction. This atrium serves as a focal point for social gatherings, specifically during olive oil tastings, aligning with the project’s intent to foster a sense of openness and connectivity among visitors. Surrounding spaces, including prayer areas, living spaces, and dining facilities, are configured to enhance comfort and interaction, all while visual connections to the natural landscape are maintained.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Local materials play a crucial role in the architectural expression of Verde Accommodation. Native woods provide warmth, while red clay bricks reflect the region's vernacular and offer durability. Natural stone is employed for landscaping and wall finishes, ensuring integration with the surrounding topography. This careful selection not only promotes sustainability through reduced transportation impacts but also preserves the local heritage, reinforcing the project's commitment to authenticity and ecological sensitivity.

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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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