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Grape Vines and Scenic Views in Umbrian Lodging Units

Author:
Miku Yashiki
Grape Vines and Scenic Views in Umbrian Lodging Units

Project in-detail

Wrapped in grape vines and oriented for stunning east-west vistas, the design offers unique lodging units that harmonize with the Umbrian landscape while providing spaces for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wrapped roof covered in grape vines enhances shading and aesthetics.
02
Rooms designed to maximize sunrise and sunset views.
03
Incorporates local Umbrian architectural character.
04
Dining areas promote communal interactions among guests.
05
Outdoor tasting spaces connect visitors to the landscape.

The design presents a modern interpretation of traditional Italian architecture, located in the scenic landscape of Umbria. The structure features a large roof that rises from the ground, complemented by a prominent tower. The design focuses on creating a strong connection between the built forms and the surrounding natural environment, highlighting both social spaces for interaction and private areas for contemplation.

Conceptual Foundations

The project draws inspiration from key elements of Italian architecture, including the Piazza, Torre, Pietra, and Vicolo. These aspects shape the arrangement of spaces, promoting community engagement while allowing for personal retreats. The architecture interacts with the picturesque fields of vineyards and olive trees, enhancing its visual and contextual appeal.

Architectural Elements

A notable feature of the design is the roof enveloped in grape vines. This not only provides shade but also adds a natural texture to the architecture. The combination of the roof and the vines creates a cozy atmosphere for gatherings at sunset. This design choice emphasizes the role of social interactions and shared experiences in the overall concept.

Lodging and Spatial Organization

The lodging units extend from the grape trellises, designed to reflect the character of typical Umbrian village architecture. Different types of accommodations cater to singles, couples, and families, each equipped with dining areas. The orientation of these units is strategic, allowing residents to enjoy breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets while ensuring comfort.

Communal and Private Spaces

The layout includes both communal and private areas. Reception and tasting rooms serve as gathering points for visitors, encouraging interaction. These spaces enable an enjoyable experience with local wines and create a link between indoor and outdoor environments, particularly with options for outdoor tastings under the trellises. The design prioritizes connectivity, allowing guests to engage with nature while enjoying the surroundings.

An important design detail is the room function towers, which enhance the views experienced from inside and outside the lodging units. Their orientation is carefully planned to frame beautiful landscapes, allowing sunlight to fill living spaces at different times of the day. This thoughtful approach enriches the experience of both the architecture and the natural setting.

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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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