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Earthen Walls and Upcycled Barrels Create a Sustainable Winery Experience

Authors:
Angeles Hevia, Antonio Hevia
Earthen Walls and Upcycled Barrels Create a Sustainable Winery Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed using earthen walls and integrating upcycled barrels, the design fosters sustainability while providing spacious houses and a centralized wine tasting area in the heart of Umbria.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with locally sourced earth, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Incorporates upcycled wine barrels as unique furniture and design elements.
03
Features vaulted walls that adapt to the surrounding hilly terrain.
04
Strategically placed openings optimize natural ventilation and mountain views.
05
Includes communal terraces that foster social interaction and engagement.

La Casa del Vino is located in Perugia, Italy, and was designed for Tili Vini winery. The project emphasizes sustainability and a strong connection with the landscape. Comprising five houses, a wine tasting area, and an outdoor space that features a pool and vegetation, the design highlights how architecture can harmonize with nature while serving its function.

Design Concept
The design focuses on using traditional earthen construction techniques, which rely on locally sourced earth. This choice reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The earthen walls serve a dual purpose: they provide thermal comfort and help control humidity indoors. This strategy not only reduces energy use but also minimizes the overall impact on the environment.

Spatial Configuration
The arrangement of the buildings encourages both communal and private experiences. Each house has balconies and terraces oriented to overlook the Umbrian valley, promoting outdoor activities and social interaction. The thoughtful layout creates inviting spaces for relaxation while fostering a sense of community among visitors and the winery.

Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in the design. Small openings are carefully positioned to allow airflow, creating a comfortable atmosphere without depending too much on mechanical cooling systems. Locally sourced shutters act as shading devices, reducing solar gain and improving energy efficiency, which contributes to a more pleasant indoor environment throughout the year.

Architectural Aesthetics
Architecturally, the project features vaulted walls that adapt to the natural terrain. This design element enhances the visual relationship between the buildings and their surroundings. Inside, the use of a double-height layout allows ample sunlight to fill the spaces, creating a sense of openness. The outdoor area includes a pool and landscaped gardens, highlighting the connection between indoor and outdoor settings. The wine tasting area integrates terraces and uses upcycled wine barrels for furniture, reinforcing the focus on sustainability while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

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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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