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Historic Brick Integration and Passive Cooling in Community Villas

Authors:
Anton Zheleznov, Mykyta Rutskyi, Ivan Seleshok
Historic Brick Integration and Passive Cooling in Community Villas

Project in-detail

The integration of historic bricks within a linear layout enhances natural ventilation and passive cooling, creating community villas that emphasize a connection to the local landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Historic bricks are repurposed from existing structures on the site.
02
Patio walls feature perforations to enhance light and ventilation.
03
The design prioritizes passive cooling to minimize energy use.
04
Villas are arranged in a linear layout to promote community interaction.
05
Local craftsmanship is emphasized through traditional construction methods.

Located on the outskirts of Spello, the project includes a collection of villas and a tasting room. The design emphasizes the connection between people and nature, focusing on how architecture can blend with the landscape. Traditional Italian architectural styles inform the design, while modern functionality plays an important role in creating usable spaces. The goal is to create an environment where residents can interact meaningfully with both the built and natural surroundings.

Materials and Sustainability

Existing structures on the site have been dismantled, and their bricks have been reused in the new construction. This approach not only reduces waste but also honors the historical context of the area. New bricks from local producers complement the historic ones, creating a dialogue between the old and new. This blend of materials highlights a commitment to sustainability while maintaining a sense of place.

Architectural Layout and Space

The villas feature a linear layout, with various functions duplicated around shared patio areas. This arrangement offers clear divisions between private and public spaces, encouraging interaction among residents. The perforated patio walls allow light and air to flow in, enhancing comfort while also minimizing the reliance on artificial lighting and ventilation.

Efficiency and Climate Adaptation

To address the issue of overheating in the summer, the design limits the number of openings in the villas. This strategy supports passive cooling methods and reduces dependence on mechanical systems for climate control. The uniformity of the brick walls simplifies construction techniques and promotes traditional craftsmanship, which can create jobs in the local community.

Connections and Community Engagement

The flooring of the villas extends into the public square, establishing direct links between private homes and shared areas. This design promotes a sense of community and encourages social interaction among residents and visitors alike. The presence of brickwork, combined with strategically placed openings, invites occupants to engage with their surroundings, both within the building and beyond. The careful arrangement of spaces fosters a welcoming atmosphere that contributes positively to life in the area.

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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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