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Local Brick and Green Roofs Defining a Tranquil Retreat in the Umbrian Valley

Author:
Matthew Potts
Local Brick and Green Roofs Defining a Tranquil Retreat in the Umbrian Valley
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Rooted in the local context, the guest house integrates a courtyard surrounded by guest suites with local brick facades and green roofs, offering a serene space for visitors to experience the culture and flavors of the Umbrian Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Local brick is used for cladding, enhancing regional character.
02
The design incorporates green roofs to promote biodiversity.
03
A central courtyard features flowing water and cypress trees.
04
Guest suites include clerestory windows for natural light.
05
An existing farm building is transformed into a wine cellar.

The Certosa guest house is located in the Umbrian Valley and serves as a retreat that connects visitors with the local landscape and the offerings of Tili Vini, a nearby winery. The design is inspired by the traditional form of a monastery, creating a peaceful environment for guests. By renovating existing buildings and adding new elements, the guest house creates a strong link between its historical context and modern design.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on how buildings interact with their surroundings. The project preserves the existing structures while incorporating new designs that enhance the site. A connecting arcade brings different parts of the guest house together, ensuring that movement through the area is smooth and visually cohesive. This approach respects the history of the Umbrian Valley while providing modern conveniences for guests.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the guest suites centers around a calm courtyard. This arrangement encourages guests to gather and interact while also allowing for quiet moments of reflection. The courtyard features gentle water flows and cypress trees, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It also acts as a space for shared experiences, such as wine tastings and meals that highlight local ingredients.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design. Existing structures have been retained and updated to minimize the carbon footprint. Flat roofs are designed with green elements to support biodiversity and improve insulation. Local brick has been chosen for the new buildings, reinforcing the relationship between the architecture and the cultural backdrop of the region.

Interior Features

Each guest suite balances spaces for privacy and togetherness. They feature kitchens and living areas with thermally broken steel doors for energy efficiency. Careful placement of clerestory windows allows natural light to fill the interiors and frames beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Cozy fireplaces provide warmth and comfort, making each suite a welcoming space for visitors to relax and enjoy their time in the Umbrian Valley.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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