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Embracing Nature with Sandstone and Green Spaces in a Communal Umbrian Retreat

Author:
Jaqueline Symalla
Embracing Nature with Sandstone and Green Spaces in a Communal Umbrian Retreat
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Set against the rolling vineyards of Umbria, the guest house showcases a central courtyard and natural pool, constructed with locally sourced limestone and sandstone, creating a harmonious blend of communal spaces and private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed around a central courtyard that enhances social interaction among guests.
02
Features a natural pool that integrates seamlessly with the landscape for recreational use.
03
Local limestone and sandstone are utilized to reflect the surrounding environment and ensure climate control.
04
Private loggias provide individual retreat spaces while maintaining visual connections to communal areas.
05
Design incorporates green spaces that facilitate traditional Italian games, such as bocce.

Tily Wine Italian Guest House is located in the scenic region of Umbria, Italy. Its design reflects a blend of modern architecture and traditional Italian hospitality. This guest house serves as a retreat, highlighting communal living while allowing for personal privacy. The design captures the spirit of Italian life, encouraging connection and interaction among guests.

Architecture Concept

The design of Tily Wine Italian Guest House takes inspiration from the natural landscape. It integrates the surrounding vineyards and hills into the overall structure. The layout promotes social interaction with areas designed for guests to come together. Entering the house through an arched gate leads directly to a central courtyard, creating an inviting first impression.

Living Spaces

Inside, the guest house features spacious living areas with high ceilings and large windows. These elements invite natural light and offer views of the courtyard and landscape. The open design encourages a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy quiet time or gather with others. Comfort is key, whether sitting by the fireplace or mingling in a shared space.

Private Accommodations

The private sections of the guest house include open bathrooms and roomy walk-in closets. These areas are designed to provide a sense of comfort and luxury. The arrangement of space promotes intimacy, with a centrally located fireplace connecting the living and sleeping areas. This thoughtful design enables both personal downtime and social engagement.

Outdoor and Communal Areas

Outdoor spaces enhance the communal experience. A northern terrace and sun deck provide spots for relaxation and gathering. The sun deck, situated under an olive tree, serves as a focal point for guests. Nearby, a natural pool offers recreational opportunities while landscaped areas support traditional games like bocce.

The project incorporates regional materials such as sandstone, limestone, and travertine. These not only reflect the local character but also assist with climate control in the building. Such choices highlight the connection between the guest house and its environment, creating a setting that feels integrated and welcoming.

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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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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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