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Cork Panels and Travertine Create Sustainable Retreat in Umbria

Authors:
Dominik Moldenhauer, Julia Moldenhauer, Beyza Uzun
Cork Panels and Travertine Create Sustainable Retreat in Umbria

Project in-detail

Cork panels and locally sourced travertine define a sustainable retreat in Umbria, designed to enhance community interaction while providing a tranquil getaway for wine enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork panels are used for insulation and water resistance without harmful chemicals.
02
Travertine sourced from local quarries enhances regional identity and sustainability.
03
Guest houses are arranged to promote community engagement while ensuring privacy.
04
Photovoltaic panels on roofs minimize energy costs and support renewable energy.
05
Design elements honor Umbria's Etruscan heritage through material selection.

The design at Tili Vini is located in Umbria, Italy, a region famous for its long history of wine production. The winery seeks to expand its offerings and create a destination for wine lovers. The overall design emphasizes sustainability while paying homage to traditional building practices. The goal is to create a welcoming and functional environment that enhances the experience for visitors.

Design Concept

The concept brings together existing structures and new buildings. Guest houses are carefully arranged around a central area that encourages socializing. This layout promotes a sense of community among guests while providing spaces for privacy and relaxation. The design is thoughtful, creating a balance that welcomes interaction while allowing for quiet moments.

Materials and Sustainability

Materials play a key role in the design, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Local natural stone, travertine, and timber are selected for their connections to the region. Travertine, sourced from nearby quarries, is designed to be reused, which aligns with the goal of sustainability. The choice of these materials not only supports structural strength but also helps maintain a sense of local identity in the overall design.

Specific Material Applications

Cork is used in the facade, providing insulation and water resistance. This choice minimizes the use of harmful chemicals in production, ensuring durability. The cork panels contribute to a longer lifespan for the building. Lightweight wooden beams enhance the structure's efficiency while limiting the environmental impact.

Energy Strategies

Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof design to reduce energy needs. This system helps lower costs and promotes the use of renewable energy. The inclusion of such features highlights a forward-thinking approach to energy management.

The design emphasizes an environment where visitors can explore and connect. Open communal areas are complemented by carefully placed natural elements, creating a feeling of harmony with the landscape.

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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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