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Courtyard Retreats Embracing Sun Orientation and Vineyard Views

Author:
Laszlo Baranyay
Courtyard Retreats Embracing Sun Orientation and Vineyard Views
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Elevated guesthouses oriented to capture morning light and framed by vineyard views create a unique retreat experience in the Umbrian Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated guesthouses mimic the form of local grapevines.
02
Orientation maximizes sunlight exposure for each room throughout the day.
03
Pathways connect guesthouses to communal areas, enhancing exploration.
04
Openings are designed for natural light without sacrificing privacy.
05
Curated courtyard spaces provide intimate gathering areas for guests.

The SOL at Tili Vini project is located in the picturesque Umbrian Valley and integrates closely with the natural landscape while honoring the area's agricultural heritage. The focus is on creating an experience that invites guests to connect with both the land and the wine-making process. Inspired by the Roman sun god, SOL, the design considers the sun's path, using light to enhance the experience throughout various times of the day.

Design Concept

The concept behind SOL at Tili Vini revolves around the connection between the built forms and their surroundings. Guesthouses are oriented towards the east, allowing them to capture the morning sun. In contrast, communal spaces like the wine-tasting room are located to the west, providing beautiful views of sunsets. This strategic placement encourages a journey through the site that engages visitors while highlighting the relationship between time, light, and space.

Architectural Arrangement

The layout consists of guesthouses elevated above the ground. This elevation references the nearby grapevine structures and minimizes the impact on the land. Each guesthouse is positioned for privacy but still maintains a connection to the communal areas, promoting interaction among visitors. The arrangement fosters a balance between solitude and community, allowing guests to enjoy both private retreats and shared experiences.

Natural Integration

Connection to the landscape is a key aspect of the design. Pathways weave through the property, linking guesthouses and communal spaces, which helps blend the vineyard with the built environment. This thoughtful integration encourages guests to explore and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The landscape is shaped to frame views and create a welcoming experience, inviting visitors to transition smoothly between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Light and Privacy

The design of the guesthouses incorporates carefully placed openings to allow natural light in while ensuring privacy. These openings are recessed to enhance light penetration while providing a sense of comfort. As guests look out from the residences, they enjoy unobstructed views of the vineyards, creating a connection to the landscape that is both calming and engaging.

Guests are welcomed into a landscaped forecourt that leads to a secluded courtyard. Here, they can enjoy moments of tranquility, such as sipping morning coffee surrounded by the scenic beauty 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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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