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Crawl Space Huts with Natural Stone and Warm Wood in Italian Wine Country

Author:
Puget Tom
Crawl Space Huts with Natural Stone and Warm Wood in Italian Wine Country

Project in-detail

Elevated cross-shaped huts constructed with natural stone and warm wood create a unique guest experience in the heart of Italy's wine country.
5 key facts about this project
01
Guest houses are designed as cross-shaped huts to maximize sunlight exposure.
02
The structural design incorporates crawl spaces to prevent rising damp.
03
Interior layout replaces traditional walls with cupboards for an open feel.
04
The tasting area features a thoughtful integration with existing historical structures.
05
Materials used include warm wood and natural stone, reflecting local heritage.

The Dionysos Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes project is located in a prominent wine-producing region in Italy, rich in history and culture. Named after the Greek god of wine, the project highlights the local viticulture and offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the area’s celebrated wine tradition. The design emphasizes sustainability and adapts well to its natural surroundings, showcasing a thoughtful approach to hospitality.

Guest House Design

The guest houses feature small cross-shaped huts that adjust to the sun’s path throughout the day. Each hut provides a distinct experience, allowing guests to enjoy varying light and warmth. Instead of traditional walls, the interiors use cupboards to create divisions. This choice promotes an open layout that feels more inviting and allows for comfortable social interaction among guests.

Tasting Area Integration

The tasting area is integrated into an existing structure with an extension added to accommodate more visitors. This design decision involved carefully removing an older, damaged section of the building. The new space provides a direct link to the foundation while preserving the character of the original structure. Warm wood tones and cool stone elements are used in the design, creating a tactile experience that encourages guests to engage with the local wine culture.

Historical Context and Materials

Attention to the historical aspects of the original building is essential to the design. It respects the story behind the architecture while introducing contemporary elements. The selected materials reflect the site’s heritage, contributing to the cohesive design. A canopy creates patterns of light and shadow, leading guests through the space while enhancing their experience of the surroundings.

Guest houses are elevated on crawl spaces, a feature that addresses the issue of rising damp and provides better insulation. This detail not only adds to the longevity of the structures but also ensures a comfortable stay for visitors interested in the area’s cultural legacy. The design reflects a balance between modern needs and traditional values, inviting guests to enjoy a rich experience in a historical context.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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