Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Massive Stone and Untreated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in the Italian Countryside

Author:
Axel Beaurenault
Massive Stone and Untreated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in the Italian Countryside

Project in-detail

Massive stone elements and non-transformed wood seamlessly blend to create an inviting community of guest homes that celebrate the natural beauty of the Italian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates massive stone to enhance thermal stability, effectively reducing energy needs.
02
Non-transformed wood is used throughout the guest homes to connect residents with the natural landscape.
03
A central patio acts as both a social hub and an ecological feature, promoting biodiversity and interaction.
04
Each guest house features unique layouts that prioritize both privacy and communal accessibility.
05
Strategic landscaping integrates native plants, supporting local wildlife and enhancing the project’s environmental footprint.
The Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes project represents a thoughtful convergence of architecture and community engagement, situated in the scenic Italian countryside. This project embodies a commitment to both sustainability and local culture, reflecting an inherent understanding of the natural environment while accommodating the needs of visitors. Designed to function as a cluster of five guest homes, each unit is arranged around a central patio, fostering a sense of community while maintaining the necessary privacy for individual guests.

At its core, the Tili Wine project serves not only as a place for accommodation but also as a gathering space that encourages interaction among guests. The strategic layout invites social engagement, while the architectural design remains sensitive to the regional characteristics of the surrounding landscape. The use of local materials further deepens this connection, with the choice of massive structural stone and non-transformed wood being particularly significant. These elements serve to enhance the buildings' thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal while paying homage to traditional Italian building methods.

The architectural design emphasizes comfort and functionality. By integrating communal and private spaces, the project effectively balances social interaction with personal retreat. The central patio acts as a dynamic focal point, providing both ecological benefits and a space for communal activities. This outdoor area not only allows for natural light and ventilation to flow into the guest homes but also serves as a venue for social gatherings.

The guest houses are thoughtfully designed with careful attention to detail in their spatial arrangement. Each unit features a unique layout that promotes individuality while maintaining a cohesive visual language throughout the project. The integration of terraces and garden spaces enhances the overall living experience, inviting residents to engage with their environment. The architectural plans emphasize functionality, exemplified by features such as strategically placed gardens that bolster local biodiversity and outdoor terraces that promote relaxation.

In terms of construction, the long-lasting materials utilized—massive structural stone and non-transformed wood—are not just staples of Italian architecture, but they also provide intrinsic benefits. The thermal mass of stone allows for stable indoor climates year-round, thus reducing energy consumption. Similarly, the use of non-transformed wood fosters an aesthetic warmth and tactile quality that resonates with the essence of rural Italian life.

The project also incorporates a clear sustainability narrative. Emphasizing low-impact development strategies, the Tili Wine homes are positioned to minimize their ecological footprint while enhancing the comfort of living spaces. Design decisions remain focused on harnessing natural resources—such as sunlight and wind—thereby reducing reliance on artificial climate control systems.

The architectural sections reveal how the design thoughtfully integrates with the topography, accounting for local weather patterns and optimizing views toward the surrounding vineyard landscape. This interaction with the geographic context underscores the intention of the architect to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functionally efficient.

The alignment with local architectural traditions is notable throughout the design. Utilizing features reminiscent of traditional Italian vernacular architecture, the Tili Wine project demonstrates a deep respect for its cultural context. The elegant symmetry and rhythmic arrangement of façades reflect the architectural heritage of the region while maintaining a contemporary relevance.

In conclusion, the Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes project offers an insightful look into how architecture can facilitate community connectivity while respecting environmental and cultural frameworks. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design approach, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This opportunity allows for a comprehensive appreciation of the architectural ideas and thoughtful details that define this unique project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy