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Cork Cladding and Biodiversity Pond Define Vineyard Retreat

Author:
Arnaud Latran
Cork Cladding and Biodiversity Pond Define Vineyard Retreat

Project in-detail

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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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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