Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cork Panels and Natural Plaster in a Community-Focused Guesthouse

Authors:
Mert Tanrikulu, Iasmin maria Cantuaria freire, Selin ayse Bingol, Hilal Kus
Cork Panels and Natural Plaster in a Community-Focused Guesthouse

Project in-detail

Constructed with cork panels and natural plaster, this guesthouse seamlessly integrates into the Umbrian landscape while providing dedicated spaces for community engagement and wine education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cork for enhanced insulation and sustainability.
02
Features natural plaster interiors that improve indoor air quality and comfort.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and non-potable uses.
04
Includes dedicated spaces for wine education and community workshops.
05
Designed around a central courtyard to promote social interaction among guests.

The Tili Vini Guest Homes project offers a unique experience for wine lovers in the beautiful Umbrian valley. It is designed to create a strong bond between the built environment and nature, promoting relaxation and interaction among guests. The design concept centers around a semi-open courtyard that acts as a gathering space while arranging individual guest houses in relation to this communal area.

Architecture and Layout

The layout features a central courtyard that encourages guests to connect with each other. Guest houses surround this area, each equipped with its own internal patio. This design allows for natural light to enter and promotes air circulation within the spaces. The arrangement provides a balance of private outdoor areas and opportunities for communal gatherings, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Material Selection

Natural materials play a significant role in the project. The exterior walls utilize cork panels, which offer great insulation and resistance to moisture while also helping to reduce noise. Inside, natural plaster is used for wall finishes, ensuring a healthier indoor environment by limiting pollutants. The roof is covered with Coppo Domus clay tiles, adding to the project’s connection to Italian architectural traditions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a key focus of the design. Solar panels are incorporated into the buildings to generate energy efficiently. Rainwater harvesting systems are also included to collect and filter water for irrigation and other non-potable uses. These features work together to minimize the ecological footprint and demonstrate a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Functional Spaces

The arrangement of spaces is designed to encourage activity and interaction. Social areas include facilities for workshops and wine tastings, as well as a heated pool and sauna. This thoughtful design allows guests to engage in both relaxation and educational experiences related to winemaking.

Large openings in the design provide views of the surrounding landscape and invite plenty of natural light into the interiors. This design creates a connection between the indoor and outdoor elements, allowing guests to enjoy their surroundings while staying comfortable within the guest homes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy