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Historic Brick Villas Blending Nature and Community Dynamics

Authors:
Anton Zheleznov, Mykyta Rutskyi, Ivan Seleshok
Historic Brick Villas Blending Nature and Community Dynamics
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Integrating historic bricks with perforated patio walls, the design fosters a connection between private and communal spaces, creating a sustainable environment for living and gathering in Spello.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reused historic bricks create a tangible link to the area’s architectural heritage.
02
Patio walls feature perforations that blur boundaries between inside and outside.
03
Villas are organized in a linear arrangement to enhance community interaction.
04
Minimal openings control heat management for occupant comfort.
05
Construction minimizes modern concrete use for reduced CO2 emissions.

The design, located on the outskirts of Spello, features a set of villas and a tasting room, creating a blend of residential living and shared community space. The project focuses on several important themes, emphasizing the relationship between people and nature, the connection of landscape with architecture, the reinterpretation of local geology, and the reuse of existing materials.

Design Concept

The villas take inspiration from traditional Italian homes, showcasing a straightforward construction style. Each villa is organized in a linear manner, with spaces centered around a patio. This layout encourages interaction among residents while ensuring private areas remain distinct yet connected to the natural surroundings.

Materials and Sustainability

A key aspect of the project is the plan to dismantle existing structures on the site in order to recover bricks for new building work. This method maintains a link to the area’s history and supports sustainable practices by reusing materials. New bricks from local suppliers are used alongside historic bricks, which are integrated thoughtfully into the construction to reflect local geology.

Spatial Organization

In the design, the number of openings has been carefully considered to control how each villa manages heat. Fewer openings help to prevent overheating in warmer months. The consistent use of brick walls simplifies construction technology, allowing traditional techniques to be revived, which also helps provide jobs for local craftsmen.

Public and Private Connectivity

The design encourages a smooth connection between the private villas and public spaces. Brick flooring continues from the villas into shared outdoor areas, creating a unified environment that promotes community interaction. This design choice makes it easy to move between personal and communal spaces, aligning with the overall focus on sustainability.

A notable feature of the villas is the patio walls with their perforations. These openings not only improve ventilation but also create a visual link between inside and outside, helping to soften the boundaries between private and common areas.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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