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Cork Panel Facade and Natural Plaster in a Wine Retreat Setting

Authors:
Mert Tanrikulu, Iasmin maria Cantuaria freire, Selin ayse Bingol, Hilal Kus
Cork Panel Facade and Natural Plaster in a Wine Retreat Setting

Project in-detail

Using cork panels for insulation and natural plaster for interior spaces, the design merges sustainable practices with traditional Italian architecture in a wine-themed retreat that fosters community engagement and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork panels provide sustainable insulation and acoustic benefits.
02
Internal patios in each guest house enhance natural light and ventilation.
03
The design includes a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation use.
04
Flexibly designed social areas accommodate both relaxation and educational workshops.
05
Large windows frame views of the surrounding Umbrian landscape.

The Tili Vini Guest Homes project is located in the tranquil Umbrian valley, serving as a retreat for those who appreciate wine and nature. It combines traditional Italian architecture with modern design, aiming to create a space focused on sustainability and community. By arranging the buildings around a central courtyard, it provides a setting that encourages both privacy and social interaction among guests, facilitating a sense of connection.

Architectural Layout

The arrangement centers on a semi-open courtyard, which helps define the layout and creates an inviting atmosphere. Each guest house includes an internal patio that ensures an abundance of natural light and encourages proper airflow. This thoughtful design fosters comfort and establishes a link between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Material Choices

Material selection plays a significant role in the project, emphasizing environmentally friendly options. Cork panels are used as the external wall covering. They are renewable and provide excellent insulation, helping to lower energy use while also improving sound quality within the buildings. Interior walls are finished with natural plaster, offering a healthier alternative to conventional paints, thereby contributing positively to indoor air quality.

Functional Spaces

The design incorporates flexible social areas that serve different purposes. A central gathering space features amenities like a heated pool, sauna, and open-air cinema. These areas are intended for leisure and relaxation but also support educational activities, such as workshops related to wine production. This dual purpose enriches the experience for all guests.

Natural Integration

Strategically placed windows enhance natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The building façade is characterized by large windows and a balanced design that reflects traditional Italian architecture while incorporating modern elements. Rainwater harvesting systems are included in the design, allowing for responsible management of resources by capturing rainwater for irrigation and non-drinking uses.

The overall design emphasizes a thoughtful interaction between the built environment and the beautiful natural landscape, shown in the courtyard's inviting atmosphere. It encourages guests to engage with each other while enjoying the scenic backdrop of the Umbrian valley.

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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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