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Glazed Spaces and Prefabricated Wood in a Wellness-Focused Retreat

Author:
Stefano Delisi
Glazed Spaces and Prefabricated Wood in a Wellness-Focused Retreat

Project in-detail

With a raised roof and expansive glazed surfaces, the design integrates a prefabricated wood structure within a private retreat, combining wellness facilities with residential units to enhance the experience of relaxation amid an olive landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A wellness center is located on the first floor of a refurbished old house.
02
Each residential unit includes a private courtyard and spa cabin.
03
The design incorporates a raised roof and expansive glazed surfaces.
04
Five residential units are aligned along a North-South axis for optimal light.
05
Construction adheres to “Casa Clima” standards for energy efficiency.

The design is situated in a region significant for its olive oil production, close to the historic villages of Assisi and Spello. The concept blends contemporary architecture with traditional forms to create functional spaces that reflect the surrounding agricultural landscape. It prioritizes the need for both communal and private areas, enhancing the experience of those who use the facilities while respecting the local cultural context.

Site Layout

The layout features a central public area that acts as a veranda and garden, providing a warm welcome to visitors. At the core of the design is a refurbished old house comprised of two levels. The ground floor is dedicated to food and beverage services, while the first floor accommodates a wellness center. Surrounding the main structure, five residential units offer essential features such as front gardens, private courtyards, and porches with saunas and steam baths.

Design Concept

The design highlights the relationship between public and private spaces, reflecting the balance often found in Italian towns. Transition areas bridge communal spaces and residential units, allowing easy movement throughout the site. The central communal area is spacious and partially covered, encouraging social interaction while ensuring easy access to amenities. This arrangement helps visitors move effortlessly between dining and wellness experiences.

Spatial Organization

Each residential unit has a total indoor area of 72.75 m², with defined spaces including a SPA cabin, kitchen and dining area, living room, porch, courtyard, bathroom, and bedroom. This thoughtful organization ensures efficient use of space, providing comfort and privacy for residents. The units are aligned on a North-South axis to maximize natural light and ventilation, enhancing overall livability.

Construction Approach

Construction follows the "Casa Clima" standards, promoting thermal comfort and energy efficiency. A prefabricated wood frame provides a lightweight structure, while pitched roofs face east-west to capture sunlight. Photovoltaic panels on the roofs support renewable energy, and a compact heat pump system manages heating and cooling needs from the central lobby area.

The existing old house will be restored, retaining only its external walls and main staircase. An internal steel structure will maintain stability, while a raised roof and integrated glazing will offer views of the surrounding mountains. Removing the east wall will create a larger dining hall and exercise room that connects with the outdoor pool area, strengthening the link between indoor and outdoor environments.

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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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