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Circular Guest Houses Emphasizing Micro-Modular Living and Communal Interaction

Author:
Vincent Aucoin
Circular Guest Houses Emphasizing Micro-Modular Living and Communal Interaction

Project in-detail

The circular arrangement of micro-modular guest houses fosters a unique communal experience while preserving local heritage, inviting occupants to engage deeply with wine culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout promotes community interaction among guests.
02
Micro-modular design allows customizable living arrangements.
03
Integration of an existing building preserves local heritage.
04
Terraces connect private spaces with communal areas.
05
Focus on wine culture enhances the guest experience.

*L'Acino* is a project designed to promote social interaction and the appreciation of wine culture in a unique setting. Located in an area where community engagement is a focal point, the design consists of five guest houses arranged in a circular layout around an existing center building. This format removes barriers between private and public spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere where occupants and visitors can engage with one another while experiencing the local wine production and heritage.

Architectural Concept

The circular arrangement of *L'Acino* enhances connections between the guest houses and the central structure. Each guest house contains six micro-modular spaces, which encompass functional areas such as a living room, bathroom, dining area, and bedroom. This thoughtful organization emphasizes practicality and adaptability, allowing guests to adjust their accommodations based on personal preferences.

Terrace Integration

Extending from each guest house, terraces play a key role in fostering community. These outdoor spaces provide areas for gathering, encouraging conversation and interaction among guests. They effectively bridge the indoor living spaces with the surrounding landscape, promoting a sense of connection while maintaining a level of privacy for each guest house.

Historical Context

A significant aspect of *L'Acino* is the preservation of the existing building, which represents the local heritage and philosophy. Incorporating historical elements into the design creates a contrast with the modern guest houses while celebrating the region's culture. This blend of old and new invites guests to appreciate the richness of the area’s history in combination with contemporary comforts.

Spatial Harmony

*L'Acino* achieves a careful balance between private and communal areas, reflecting its core principle of connection. The layout allows for easy interaction among guests while providing personal space when needed. This design encourages individuals to engage with both the architecture and the surrounding environment, resulting in an enriching experience that aligns with the principles of wine culture and community living.

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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

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