Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Galvanized Metal Retreat Enhancing Umbrian Countryside Experiences

Authors:
Giorgio Glaviano, Valeria Inzerillo
Galvanized Metal Retreat Enhancing Umbrian Countryside Experiences

Project in-detail

Utilizing galvanized metal to enhance its integration with the Umbrian landscape, the retreat features a central courtyard that fosters communal interaction while providing private spaces for guests seeking a connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes untreated galvanized metal for exterior surfaces, allowing natural weathering effects.
02
Features a central courtyard designed to promote community interaction while ensuring guest privacy.
03
Incorporates sustainable energy solutions, including photovoltaic systems and water collection methods.
04
Preserves existing structures by integrating new designs with disused materials from the site.
05
Strategically positioned housing modules optimize views of the surrounding Umbrian hills.

TILI WINE ITALY GUEST HOMES is located in the beautiful Umbrian countryside of Italy, a region known for its expansive farmlands and vineyards. The design serves as a retreat, offering both communal and private experiences. The overall concept revolves around creating a balance between social spaces and areas for solitude, shown clearly in the layout of the buildings.

Design Concept
The design focuses on connecting with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the area's natural beauty. A central courtyard acts as the heart of the project, providing a space for gathering and interaction. It invites guests to come together while also allowing for quiet moments. This thoughtful arrangement serves the needs of both the community and its visitors.

Materiality
The primary material used in the construction is large sheets of galvanized metal for the building's exterior. This choice provides necessary protection from weather conditions while fitting well with the rural environment. The metal remains untreated, which enables it to reflect the changing light and colors of the surrounding landscape, creating an engaging visual experience throughout the day.

Sustainability Measures
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with features that help reduce environmental impact. An eco-friendly heating system, a water collection system, and photovoltaic energy technologies are integrated into the project. These elements work together to ensure the space operates efficiently while respecting the natural surroundings.

Site Layout
The site is organized so that housing modules sit on a single slab, offering optimal views of the rolling hills. This positioning allows the structures to blend into the landscape harmoniously. The reuse of materials from previous structures on the site further supports a connection to the area's history, making this an example of thoughtful, modern design.

The overall design presents a careful balance between functionality and environmental respect, rooted in the distinctive character of the Umbrian landscape, making it a meaningful addition to the region.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy