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Circular Design with Recycled Cork and Glass Walls in Vineyard Context

Authors:
Kazuhiro Yamada, Masaharu Oda, Arisa Yokoshima
Circular Design with Recycled Cork and Glass Walls in Vineyard Context

Project in-detail

Recycled cork and glass walls define a circular layout that harmonizes with the surrounding vineyards, creating a multifunctional space that integrates sustainable design with guest accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled cork is used for flooring and insulation, reinforcing sustainability.
02
Circular layout promotes efficient circulation and interaction among spaces.
03
Each guest room offers distinct views of nearby vineyards and mountains.
04
Existing materials from the previous structure are thoughtfully reintroduced.
05
A glass curtain wall enhances natural light and connects interior to the landscape.

The design emerges with a clear intention, situated in a beautiful region filled with vineyards and mountains. It embodies a focus on ecological principles, illustrated through a circular layout that encourages movement and interaction among various spaces such as a cortile, kitchen, wine cellar, and guest rooms. The concept aligns closely with the values of Tili winery, representing a thoughtful blend of nature and the built environment.

Circulation and Functional Arrangement

At the center of the design is a circulation ring that connects both private and shared areas. This arrangement is designed to support social engagement while also providing spaces for quiet reflection. Each area serves its specific function, ensuring an easy flow throughout the entire layout.

Conceptual Framework

The concept highlights sustainability, with the circular shape symbolizing the eco cycle. This philosophy resonates with the winery's environmental goals, creating a atmosphere that promotes both effective use and a sense of connection to nature. By focusing on the landscape, the design expresses a narrative that goes beyond simple building.

Materiality and Resource Integration

Materials are an essential aspect of the overall design story. New tiles, reinforced concrete beams, an existing foundation, used stone bricks, used tiles, steel columns, glass curtain walls, wooden beams, and recycled cork come together to enhance the structure. This varied material use emphasizes a commitment to reducing waste while also honoring the site's past. By reusing elements from an earlier building, the design fosters a sense of continuity and place.

Strategic Landscape Engagement

The design also takes advantage of the natural surroundings by positioning rooms to capture unique views of the vineyards and mountains. This thoughtful orientation enriches the experience for those inside, making the connection to nature a central part of daily life within the building. The focus on scenic vistas reflects an understanding of how important the outdoors is to enhancing the atmosphere and enjoyment of the space.

Through its attention to circulation, material choices, and relationships with the landscape, the design achieves a practical and connected experience for users. It thoughtfully integrates various elements to create a structure where people can engage with both their surroundings and each other.

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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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