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Illuminated Fountain and Glass Façade Enhance Wellness Retreat in Tuscany

Author:
Timo Schmitt
Illuminated Fountain and Glass Façade Enhance Wellness Retreat in Tuscany

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a prominent illuminated fountain and expansive glass façades, complemented by solid wood residential units, creating a cohesive wellness retreat focused on social interaction and relaxation in Tuscany.
5 key facts about this project
01
Illuminated fountain serves as a central focal point upon arrival.
02
Solid wood construction enhances sustainability and climate control.
03
Expansive glass façades maximize natural light while ensuring privacy.
04
Circular tunnel passage enhances spatial experience and wine display.
05
Wellness-focused amenities include a spa and al fresco dining areas.

The Wine Hotel Tilvinum is located in the scenic landscape of Tuscany, designed to serve as both a luxurious retreat and a center for wine lovers. The layout divides spaces into public and private areas. This thoughtful arrangement encourages social interaction among guests while also providing opportunities for personal privacy. Amenities such as a pool, spa, and vinotheque enhance the experience and highlight the region’s rich wine culture.

Public Facilities

The main building contains key features such as a lobby, restaurant, and spa. These interconnected spaces are thoughtfully designed to improve accessibility and foster interactions among guests. A noticeable element upon entry is the illuminated fountain, which creates a welcoming first impression. Cobblestone pathways lead to the individual residential units, reinforcing the sense of warmth and approachability. The landscaping includes green spaces, flower beds, and water features, promoting a tranquil atmosphere where guests can unwind.

Residential Units

Surrounding the main building, the residential units are built from solid wood, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The design takes advantage of natural light by incorporating a glass façade on the terrace side. This approach reduces dependency on artificial lighting and helps maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Each unit features a spiral staircase that enhances the sense of space and connectivity within the living areas.

Interior Design

Interiors offer a balanced contrast between dark furnishings and light wood floors, contributing to an inviting ambiance. Bathrooms prioritize comfort and relaxation, featuring rain showers and freestanding bathtubs set against large windows. These windows provide lovely views while ensuring privacy. Thoughtful details throughout the layout focus on functionality, showcasing careful design choices that enhance the overall experience.

Wine Experience

The basement is dedicated to wine-related activities, including a cellar and showroom. This space accommodates tastings and gatherings, with ample seating available. Behind the main counter, a glass wall reveals hidden wine barrels, tying in with the overall theme. The wine showroom is designed to display fine wines in ideal conditions, encouraging appreciation for the region’s winemaking traditions.

The outdoor terrace provides shaded areas where guests can enjoy meals while overlooking the pool and gardens. The pergola offers a comfortable spot to relax, blending indoor and outdoor experiences in a harmonious manner.

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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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