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Limestone Walls and Rainwater Collection in Umbrian Guesthouses

Authors:
Viacheslav Deev, Irina Privalova, Tatiana Hobotova
Limestone Walls and Rainwater Collection in Umbrian Guesthouses

Project in-detail

Rainwater collection integrates seamlessly with limestone walls and communal spaces to enhance the guest experience in the Umbrian valley's wine-focused retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater collection system integrated into the main roof supports garden irrigation.
02
Guesthouses are oriented to maximize natural ventilation and reduce overheating.
03
Design features a communal area that encourages social interaction and engagement.
04
Landscaping reflects the seasonal cycles relevant to local winemaking traditions.
05
Limestone walls provide both structural integrity and local aesthetic continuity.

The design is located in the beautiful Umbrian valley, characterized by its gentle hills and fertile land. The project includes several guesthouses intended for Tili Vini, reflecting the traditions and sustainable practices of local wine production. The architecture aims for a close connection between buildings and the natural environment, creating spaces that encourage community and interaction among visitors.

Design Concept

The layout uses two main axes to guide movement and space. The first axis leads from the access road to an inner courtyard, opening up views of Mount Subasio, an important landmark in the area. This pathway acts like a walkway gallery, enhancing the relationship between buildings and the landscape. The second axis is formed by a unifying roof that connects the guesthouses and creates a cross-shaped layout. This design symbolizes hospitality and a sense of belonging.

Spatial Organization

At the heart of the project is a gathering area designed for wine tasting, which includes facilities like a kitchen, shop, and dining room. This arrangement promotes social interaction among guests, making it a welcoming hub. The design also provides easy access to an outdoor terrace and fireplace, extending the experience outdoors and encouraging interaction with nature.

Garden and Landscape

The garden surrounding the guesthouses is an essential part of the design, reflecting the changing seasons. Its layout features smooth, flowing shapes that symbolize the natural cycles of time and the winemaking process. This not only adds visual interest but also strengthens the connection between the dwellings and the environment, providing a calm and attractive space for guests.

Sustainability and Materials

Sustainability is a key focus. The roof serves as a rainwater collection system, which is then used to irrigate the garden. This system minimizes environmental impact. The materials used in the construction include limestone for the walls, wood for the roofs, and a mix of pebbles and concrete in various structural elements. These choices help ensure longevity and align with local building traditions.

The relationship between indoor and outdoor areas enhances the overall experience, creating a connection between guests, the architecture, and the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful design invites people to appreciate both the beauty of the place and the stories behind the wine.

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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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