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Climbing Vegetation Encapsulates Portico Retreat with Tranquil Guest Interaction

Authors:
Izabela Orghidan, Ioana Popa
Climbing Vegetation Encapsulates Portico Retreat with Tranquil Guest Interaction

Project in-detail

Enclosed by a portico and adorned with climbing vegetation, the design creates tranquil spaces for guests to engage with nature while enjoying the experience of winemaking.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enclosed bedrooms promote privacy while providing nature views.
02
A central pool encourages social interaction and outdoor leisure.
03
Pathways lined with vegetation enhance the guest experience.
04
Rooftop terraces offer elevated spaces for wine tasting.
05
The entrance features a height differential to guide visitors.

The design addresses the need for revitalization of a site with aging structures, proposing a complete demolition to allow for a new building. Located in an area characterized by mountains and vineyards, the design aims to reflect the owner's heritage and business focus on winemaking. The concept revolves around creating a space that aligns with the surrounding environment, enhancing the overall experience for those who visit.

Building Orientation
The proposed building faces south, maximizing natural light and offering expansive views of the landscape. This orientation not only benefits the interiors by allowing in sunlight but also connects the indoor spaces with the outdoors.

Spatial Arrangements
Tranquility is central to the design, especially in the bedrooms, designed as peaceful retreats within the landscape. These rooms are sheltered by a portico, adding a layer of privacy while still providing views of the natural surroundings. Large windows allow occupants to engage with the landscape, fostering a deeper connection to nature.

Central Features
At the heart of the design, a central pool encourages leisure and interaction. Pathways lined with greenery guide visitors to sitting areas, where they can enjoy wine outdoors. This arrangement promotes a sense of community, enhancing the overall experience of the setting.

Transition and Flow
The first floor incorporates roof terraces that serve as additional areas for wine tasting while providing elevated views. Patios connect different spaces within the design, inviting exploration and interaction with the surroundings. The entrance features a height variation, directing guests to the check-in area and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A notable detail is the integration of climbing plants in the bathrooms, allowing guests to relax while enjoying views of the landscape. This design choice reinforces the connection between the building and its natural environment, enhancing the overall experience as the sun sets.

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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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