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Cork Cladding and Glued Timber Create a Sustainable Community Retreat

Authors:
Daniella Siciliano, Ingrid Do vale reis, Renata De oliveira araujo
Cork Cladding and Glued Timber Create a Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with cork cladding and glued laminated timber, the project offers a sustainable living solution that fosters community interaction in the heart of the Umbrian Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork cladding enhances thermal insulation while integrating with the landscape.
02
Glued laminated timber provides both strength and aesthetic warmth to the structure.
03
Large skylights and windows maximize natural light and scenic views.
04
The design includes a central open space that fosters community interactions.
05
Five residential modules offer individuality while maintaining a cohesive overall design.

Villa Vetta is located in the Umbrian Valley of Italy, where it combines traditional styles with modern design. The project reflects the Tili family’s deep connection to their land and heritage, particularly their passion for wine. The design focuses on sustainability, blending indoor and outdoor spaces to create a welcoming environment. By emphasizing a communal layout, the structure encourages social interaction and engagement among residents and visitors.

Materials and Thermal Performance

Cork cladding is a prominent feature, chosen for its excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing attributes. This natural material helps the building blend in with the landscape while connecting to the region’s winemaking tradition. Alongside cork, mineral wool insulation plays a key role in enhancing energy efficiency, ensuring that the indoor environment remains comfortable throughout the year.

Structural Elements and Aesthetic Quality

Glued laminated timber is used throughout the structure, providing both strength and a warm aesthetic. This engineered wood product is valued for its high resistance to fire and contributes to the overall visual appeal of the building. Together, the materials create a cohesive look that balances modern design with traditional influences, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability.

Interior Layout and Natural Lighting

Inside, Villa Vetta prioritizes a minimalist design that promotes comfort and function. Large windows and skylights are carefully placed to maximize natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. This design choice not only enhances the living spaces but also frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. By inviting the outdoors inside, the project fosters a sense of tranquility.

Spatial Organization and Community Connection

The villa consists of five residential modules arranged over one or two floors, each designed to maintain its individuality while contributing to the overall community. This layout encourages interaction among residents, reflecting the traditional Italian piazza where people gather. Thoughtful design details facilitate social connections, drawing occupants toward shared areas that support a sense of belonging.

The arrangement of Villa Vetta ensures that interior spaces are closely linked to their surroundings, enhancing the experience of living in this picturesque location.

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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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