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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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