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Glass Blocks and Trucco Finish Embrace a Natural Pool Retreat

Authors:
Tamar Mosiashvili, Ketevan Managadze, Natalia Manjgaladze
Glass Blocks and Trucco Finish Embrace a Natural Pool Retreat

Project in-detail

With glass blocks that enhance natural light and a trucco finish reflecting local craftsmanship, the design offers a retreat centered around organic wine tasting in Spello's picturesque landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glass blocks create transparency and natural lighting throughout the guest homes.
02
Trucco finish reflects local artistic traditions and enhances durability.
03
A natural pool integrates seamlessly with the surrounding garden.
04
The layout emphasizes sunset views from all guest accommodations.
05
Flexibility in design allows for potential connections between guest homes.

Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes is located in Spello, Umbria, a town known for its historical charm and picturesque views. The design focuses on creating a space where guests can enjoy organic wines while surrounded by beautiful landscapes. By blending traditional architectural features with modern design elements, the guest homes reflect the local culture and cater to the preferences of contemporary visitors.

Architectural Concept

The design centers around the cultural significance of Spello and the owners’ commitment to winemaking. The entrance is placed at the northwestern corner and features arches that resemble the town's historical gates. This element establishes an immediate link to Spello’s past. Inside, guests find a wine-tasting area that also serves as a reception space. This multifunctional room includes tasting tables, a fireplace, a small kitchen, restrooms, and luggage storage, encouraging social interaction and hospitality.

Spatial Integration

The design extends into an inner garden, which features a Natural Pool, enhancing the connection to nature. From the garden, pathways lead to the Guest Homes, thoughtfully positioned to maximize sunset views. Outdoor spaces for gathering provide areas for visitors to come together and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, enriching their overall experience.

Exterior Design

The Guest Homes are made up of three distinct blocks, each with different finishes. One block has a trucco finish, another presents local limestone, while a third features glass blocks and rusted plates. These choices create a rich visual representation of the local architecture while introducing elements of modern design. The glass blocks allow natural light to flow into the homes and create an inviting atmosphere.

Interior Layout

Inside, each Guest Home offers practical accommodations, featuring a small kitchen, living room, dining area, luggage storage, a comfortable bedroom, and a restroom. The layout is designed for flexibility, with the possibility of connecting two Guest Homes through a glass corridor. This thoughtful arrangement meets varying guest needs while maintaining a warm and homely feel throughout the space.

The design tells a story that honors the heritage of Spello while providing modern comfort. Each detail is chosen to create a welcoming environment that connects guests to the local landscape and culture.

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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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