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Geothermal Design with Brick Walls and Rainwater Harvesting

Author:
Juan Castañeda
Geothermal Design with Brick Walls and Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

Brick walls and a geothermal system work together to create a sustainable environment that captures rainwater while providing guests a serene stay among the vineyards.
5 key facts about this project
01
Brick walls integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.
02
The design captures rainwater for reuse, enhancing sustainability.
03
Private spaces are located underground to utilize geothermal energy.
04
Open galleries promote natural airflow throughout the pavilions.
05
A tasting house serves as a community hub for local wine experiences.

The Tili Wine Italy Guest Eco-Homes project is located in a rural area known for its wine production. It consists of six pavilions arranged around a central square, which promotes interaction among visitors while allowing for personal space. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to connect with the surrounding environment, creating a space where people can experience and appreciate local viticulture.

Rainwater Management

Effective rainwater management is a key focus of the design. Each pavilion is surrounded by open galleries that capture rainwater from the roofs. This collected water is directed to an underground system where it is treated and made ready for reuse. This not only reduces reliance on outside water sources but also promotes self-sufficiency within the project.

Air Circulation

Natural airflow is another important aspect of the design. The pavilions are slightly elevated, allowing for expansive views of the surrounding fields. The open layout facilitates the movement of air, which enhances comfort inside the spaces. This design works to utilize breezes effectively, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and heating.

Geothermal Principles

The placement of private spaces in the subterranean level takes advantage of the earth’s natural thermal properties. By doing this, the design helps maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year while lowering energy demands. The surrounding open galleries support airflow and protect inhabitants from harsh weather.

Architectural Expression

The project blends traditional and modern elements. Traditional brick walls contrast with contemporary stainless steel roofs. This combination reflects local craftsmanship while meeting the needs of visitors. Each pavilion has its own character but contributes to a unified aesthetic. This thoughtful design emphasizes the relationship between the buildings, the landscape, and the culture of wine production.

The material choices and architectural forms invite visitors to connect with the area’s heritage and current practices in winemaking, grounding them in the experience of rustic yet refined living.

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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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