Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Courtyard Framed by Local Stone and Sustainable Wood in a Vineyard Setting

Authors:
Matan Gal, Dana Lieber
Circular Courtyard Framed by Local Stone and Sustainable Wood in a Vineyard Setting

Project in-detail

A circular courtyard, framed by local stone and sustainable timber elements, enhances communal living while integrating seamlessly into the picturesque vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular courtyard enhances flow between interior and exterior spaces.
02
Local stone is used to create a contextual connection to the environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes spatial dynamics and visual interest.

The Cortice House is a contemporary architectural project that embodies the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Situated in a scenic rural area surrounded by vineyards, this design draws upon Mediterranean influences while applying modern architectural language. The house serves as a residential dwelling that promotes communal living through an open layout and a central courtyard.

The core of the design is the circular courtyard, which acts as the heart of the home. This feature provides a focal point that connects the private and public spaces within the house, facilitating interaction among residents. The layout allows for a seamless transition between the interior and the exterior, enhancing the living experience by leveraging the natural landscape. Spaces are intentionally organized to optimize views and promote a sense of openness, which is crucial in residential architecture.

Innovative Use of Materials
The selection of materials within the Cortice House is strategic and deliberate. Concrete forms the structural framework, ensuring stability and durability. Wood is employed extensively for interior finishes and structural elements, providing warmth and a tactile quality to the environment. Large glass panels are incorporated to maximize natural light while offering unobstructed views of the vineyard, effectively blurring the line between inside and outside. Local stone adds context to the architecture, tying the structure to the geographical location, while metal materials are used for roofing and detailing, contributing to the contemporary aesthetic.

The integration of a variety of materials positions this project apart from conventional residential designs. The use of a circular courtyard is less common in modern architecture, allowing for dynamic interactions and enhancing communal experiences. This design not only respects the landscape but also encourages a lifestyle that is deeply connected to the surroundings.

Sustainability and Efficiency
Sustainability is a critical consideration in the Cortice House. The design utilizes passive cooling and heating techniques, as well as efficient insulation strategies, to reduce energy consumption throughout the year. Natural ventilation is facilitated through the strategic placement of openings, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. By doing so, the project aligns with contemporary priorities surrounding environmentally responsible architecture.

The integration of outdoor living spaces is another unique aspect of the Cortice House. Terraces and landscaped areas have been designed to blend with the natural topography, enhancing usability and providing pleasant outdoor environments. The thoughtful arrangement of these spaces encourages both privacy and communal activities, addressing the needs of modern living.

For a deeper understanding of the Cortice House, including the specific architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that went into its creation, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Examining the details will provide further insights into the architectural approaches that define this unique residential design.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy