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Limestone Walls and Wood Roofs in a Communal Guesthouse Setting

Authors:
Viacheslav Deev, Irina Privalova, Tatiana Hobotova
Limestone Walls and Wood Roofs in a Communal Guesthouse Setting

Project in-detail

With limestone walls and a wood roof unifying the guesthouses, the design creates a communal environment that emphasizes sustainability and local wine culture in the heart of the Umbrian valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone walls enhance thermal regulation and integrate with the local landscape.
02
A wood roof spans multiple guesthouses, symbolizing communal hospitality.
03
Rainwater collection systems support garden irrigation for sustainability.
04
Landscaped gardens feature circular forms representing seasonal cycles.
05
The design orients buildings to capture natural light while offering shade.

Situated in the Umbrian valley, the project embodies the concept of "Cuore del Vino," which focuses on blending hospitality with local wine culture. The design includes a collection of guesthouses known as Tili Vini, aimed at encouraging community interaction while offering guests a chance to connect with the region's rich agricultural traditions and beautiful landscapes.

Architecture Concept

The layout consists of various functional areas, such as a main gallery, parking lot, terrace, fireplace, and five guesthouses. These elements are carefully arranged around two main axes that enhance movement and interaction, guiding visitors through the space while providing views of Mount Subasio and nearby vineyards. The design promotes social engagement, reflecting the ties that bind families and communities together.

Integration with Nature

A significant feature of the design is the roof that connects the guesthouses. This architectural element offers shelter and symbolizes the warmth of hospitality and family connections. Under this roof lies a wine-tasting area, which serves as a central gathering space. It is equipped with a kitchen, shop, and dining area, encouraging guests to come together. The buildings are oriented to optimize natural light and airflow while shielding occupants from excessive heat during summer.

Sustainable Design Practices

Sustainability is a key consideration in the project, evident in its thoughtful placement and responsiveness to the environment. The architecture includes features designed to keep the interiors cool in warmer months, enhancing overall comfort. Rainwater collection systems are also integrated for garden irrigation, reflecting a commitment to sustainable resources and practices.

Materials and Landscape

Materials chosen for the design enhance the connection to local heritage while maintaining a modern appearance. Limestone is used for the walls, wood for the roofs, and pebbles mixed with concrete for various structural elements, creating a cohesive look that feels at home in the landscape. The garden features smooth oval and circular shapes, symbolizing the passage of time and the changing seasons, echoing the local culture of wine production.

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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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