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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite in a Vineyard Retreat Focusing on Community Living

Authors:
Matan Gal, Dana Lieber
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite in a Vineyard Retreat Focusing on Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a concrete structure that draws inspiration from traditional Mediterranean courtyards, creating a harmonious living space that fosters community while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A centralized circular courtyard serves as a communal space that fosters social interaction among residents.
04
Natural stone elements in the façade create a tactile connection to the surrounding vineyard landscape.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal light distribution and ventilation throughout the living spaces.
The Cortice House is an architectural project designed with a keen focus on creating a connection between the built environment and the surrounding vineyard landscape. This project represents a thoughtful response to its geographic context, showcasing how architecture can harmonize with nature while facilitating community and individual experiences. The design intends to encourage a sense of belonging, capturing the essence of communal living while providing private retreats for residents.

The function of the Cortice House revolves around creating a space where inhabitants can engage with their environment, allowing for both social interactions and personal reflection. The layout features a central circular courtyard, which serves as the focal point of the design. This courtyard is not only a shared space for gatherings but also integrates seamlessly with the surrounding agricultural landscape, blurring the lines between interior and exterior. The arrangement of living spaces around this central feature supports various activities while maintaining a balance of privacy and community.

Key elements of the project include the use of traditional Mediterranean architectural principles, translated into a modern context. The building's geometry is rational and purposeful, organizing spaces in a way that optimizes movement and interaction. Each private unit is crafted to allow natural light into living areas while maintaining views of the vineyards, further enhancing the connection to the landscape. Strategic openings and carefully selected materials facilitate this relationship, with glass walls allowing for transparency and light penetration.

Materiality plays a significant role in the design of the Cortice House. Concrete is utilized for its structural capabilities, providing stability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Wood is featured prominently in the interior, fostering warmth and a sense of comfort within the living spaces. Natural stone is incorporated into the façade, which speaks to the local context and offers a tactile experience that resonates with the surrounding environment. Metal elements are included for structural framing, contributing both a modern touch and durability.

Unique design approaches characterize the Cortice House, particularly in how it addresses sustainability and the user experience. Transitional spaces such as patios act as thresholds, facilitating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments. This design not only encourages social interaction but also allows for quieter moments of personal contemplation as residents move through the different areas of the house. The project emphasizes passive design strategies, ensuring that lighting and climate considerations are integral aspects of the architectural planning process.

The Cortice House ultimately serves as a case study in how contemporary architecture can reflect historical values while addressing modern needs. Its thoughtful design elements showcase a commitment to sustainability and community, making it a noteworthy example within the realm of modern residential architecture. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project further, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, a detailed presentation is available that delves deeper into the unique architectural ideas and details that define the Cortice House.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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