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Cork and Laminate Structure Elevates Traditional Barn in Countryside Setting

Author:
Giovanni Pivetta
Cork and Laminate Structure Elevates Traditional Barn in Countryside Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing cork and laminated wood, the design integrates a modern structure with an exposed historical barn, creating a unique guesthouse that harmonizes with the Italian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cork for its sustainable properties while connecting to the local heritage.
02
Features a raised ground plane that integrates villas with the surrounding landscape.
03
Exposes the internal framework of the historical barn, enhancing structural transparency.
04
Includes two arches that frame views and link new structures with the existing barn.
05
Promotes intimate interactions between spaces, emphasizing comfort and exploration.

Tili Vini is located in the Italian countryside and combines contemporary design with the area’s historical context. The project seeks to change how visitors perceive their surroundings by using vertical perspectives. It achieves a thoughtful balance of addition and subtraction, which emphasizes the passage of time and creates a closer connection between people and the landscape.

Conceptual Framework

The design starts a conversation between new and old structures by manipulating the land. Private spaces are submerged, and parts of the terrain are cut away, encouraging engagement with the rich history of the site. The ground plane in front of the existing barn is lifted at the edges, allowing new villas to sit beneath it. This arrangement promotes a continuous interaction with the landscape, drawing occupants into the natural beauty surrounding them.

Structural Engagement

The existing barn is central to the design. Its internal structure is exposed, creating a visual link with the environment. This openness highlights the barn’s historical importance. A new building is placed at the lower level of the barn, creating a relationship between the old and the new. This connection is enhanced by two arches above the second floor, framing views of the landscape and linking visitors to the larger site.

Material Considerations

Selecting materials plays an important role in the design. Laminated wood and glass contribute to a modern feel. Cork stands out for its sustainable qualities and its connection to traditional practices. This material resonates with local heritage and offers a contemporary touch. The processing time of cork also relates to winemaking traditions in the region, adding another layer of meaning to the project’s design.

Spatial Configuration

The arrangement of the villas is designed to promote interaction with the landscape and the existing structures. This layout encourages exploration and provides comfort for those who occupy the space. The raised ground plane allows for vantage points that invite people to observe and engage with the surroundings.

The design concludes with a compelling expression where the interplay of forms and materials creates a strong sense of place and time, inviting reflection while remaining firmly tied to its historical background.

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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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