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Cork Cladding and Biodiversity Pond Define Vineyard Retreat

Author:
Arnaud Latran
Cork Cladding and Biodiversity Pond Define Vineyard Retreat
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Cork cladding envelops a retreat that integrates existing ruins and a biodiversity pond, creating a sustainable guest house experience in the heart of Umbria's vineyards.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork cladding enhances thermal performance and reduces environmental impact.
02
A biodiversity pond supports local ecosystem sustainability.
03
Historical ruins are preserved and integrated into the design.
04
Guest houses feature private balconies with views of the mountainous landscape.
05
Shared amenities promote community engagement among visitors.

The design for Tili Vino’s guest houses in Umbria, Italy, combines private living spaces with communal areas. Located amidst beautiful vineyards, the project enhances the experience for visitors. It features four new guest homes and transforms an existing structure into an additional guest accommodation and gathering space for activities such as wine tasting.

Site Integration

A prominent aspect of the design is the inclusion of existing ruins on the site. These historic elements are preserved and incorporated into the project, allowing for future growth while respecting their aesthetic value. This thoughtful approach creates a connection between new and old architecture, enhancing the relationship between the buildings and their natural surroundings.

Functional Layout

The main house features two separate sections. One half serves as a bar area designed to encourage social interaction among guests, while the other half contains insulated guest flats and shared amenities, including a communal kitchen and restrooms. This layout promotes a sense of community, allowing guests to enjoy both social and private experiences within the same space.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Features such as a biodiversity pond and water treatment systems have been included to support local ecosystems. There are also provisions for covered parking and electric vehicle charging stations. These elements underscore a commitment to environmentally friendly practices throughout the entire project.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Materials are carefully selected to reflect local characteristics and ecological values. Locally sourced wood is used for structural components, while cork cladding provides both thermal insulation and visual appeal. Photovoltaic panels contribute to energy generation, supporting the commitment to sustainability. These choices root the project in its geographical setting, enhancing both its appearance and functionality.

The design incorporates private balconies for the guest homes, providing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Roof overhangs offer necessary shade while enhancing comfort for visitors, allowing them to enjoy the landscape in all seasons.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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