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Connecting Community Through Contextual Walls and Shared Courtyards

Authors:
Tejinder Babbar, Parth Prajapati, Arsalan Hosseini
Connecting Community Through Contextual Walls and Shared Courtyards

Project in-detail

Contextual walls frame breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape while a central courtyard promotes community engagement among five guest houses designed as distinct functional units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five guest houses are arranged to create a central courtyard for communal activities.
02
A contextual wall defines the site while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Pathways between guest houses promote social interaction and guest engagement.
04
Sustainable building methods enhance the project’s integration with the local environment.
05
Distinct external forms of each guest house contribute to the overall visual identity.

The design is located in Tuscany, where it integrates guest accommodations within a winery landscape. The overall concept emphasizes community interaction and a strong connection to the natural surroundings. By creating spaces that blend personal and communal environments, the project takes advantage of the unique features of the site, aiming to foster a sense of place.

Contextual Wall

A key element of the design is a contextual wall that defines the boundary of the site. This wall establishes clear limits while also welcoming visitors. It marks the transition from the external landscape to the interior spaces of the winery. By framing views of the beautiful Tuscan mountains, the wall enriches the experience and provides a sense of belonging.

Guest House Arrangement

Along the perimeter, five guest houses are strategically positioned to form a shared courtyard that serves as a gathering space for visitors. This courtyard is intended for communal activities, including features like a campfire area and landscaped seating. Pathways separate the private spaces of the guest houses, encouraging movement and interaction. This layout reinforces a sense of community while allowing personal retreats.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability is a priority in this design. It focuses on building methods that are appropriate for the local context. Although specific materials are not mentioned, the emphasis on low-cost and sustainable solutions indicates a preference for local resources. This approach enhances the connection between the architecture and the environment while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Architectural Identity

The guest houses are distinct functional units, each with unique external forms that contribute to the visual character of the project. By breaking larger volumes into smaller components, the design avoids overwhelming the landscape. This careful arrangement allows for a balanced relationship between buildings and nature.

In the central courtyard, the communal features create an inviting space for guests to gather. It encourages shared experiences centered around nature and the culture of wine, highlighting the essence of the winery.

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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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