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Limestone and Clay Farmhouse Reimagined for Wine Tasting Experience

Author:
Haowen Li
Limestone and Clay Farmhouse Reimagined for Wine Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

A landscape viewing platform extends from a limestone and clay farmhouse, merging historical character with modern functionality to create an engaging space for wine tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone and clay were selected to reflect local building traditions.
02
The design incorporates a landscape viewing platform for enhanced vineyard views.
03
Internal circulation is optimized by relocating the external staircase inside.
04
New openings in the southern façade improve accessibility and light.
05
Deciduous trees provide natural shading, enhancing energy efficiency.

Located in a vineyard in central Italy, the design combines elements of cultural heritage and modern architecture with a focus on wine tasting. The project reimagines an existing farmhouse known as *casa colonica*, preserving its historical significance while introducing new spaces that cater to contemporary needs. The overall concept emphasizes the interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the landscape.

Regeneration encompasses significant updates to the farmhouse, which has served as both a residence and a workspace. Originally, the upper floor was intended for living, while the ground floor functioned as storage for livestock. Key changes involve moving the external staircase inside to improve movement flow. Additionally, the southern façade will have new openings that enhance access to wine tasting areas, encouraging social interaction.

The next phase introduces a landscape viewing platform that extends out from the farmhouse. This feature offers an elevated viewpoint of the vineyard and surrounding landscape. The design includes various functional spaces, such as a wine tasting bar, kitchen, courtyard, living room, bedroom, storage areas, kitchenette, bathroom, and parking. The arrangement of these spaces supports different experiences while blending public and private areas.

Material choices are carefully considered, emphasizing the use of local limestone and clay. These materials connect the project to its geographic roots and help minimize environmental impact. The design principles prioritize natural ventilation, which is particularly important given the region’s humid subtropical climate. Deciduous trees are strategically placed to provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight in during the winter, enhancing energy efficiency.

The culmination of this design results in a structure that thoughtfully balances traditional and modern influences. A prominent element is the landscape viewing platform, which invites visitors to take in the expansive views of the vineyard and enjoy the rich experiences offered within the space. As such, the design not only respects the past but also looks forward, creating a functional and inviting venue for wine tasting and community engagement.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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