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Mineralized Wood Structures That Embrace Nature with Semi-Permeable Facades

Authors:
Alberto Martini, Filippo Girotto, Sebastiano Pavan
Mineralized Wood Structures That Embrace Nature with Semi-Permeable Facades

Project in-detail

Utilizing mineralized wood and a semi-permeable facade, the design harmonizes with the Umbria-Marche Apennines while offering a wine tasting area that connects guests to the serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mineralized wood for enhanced sustainability and durability.
02
Features a semi-permeable facade that connects interior spaces to the landscape.
03
Incorporates private courtyards in guest homes for improved light and privacy.
04
Includes a central natural pool as an integral leisure element.
05
Restores a historic farmhouse, preserving its character while enhancing functionality.

The Tenuta Tili Vini project is located in the Umbria-Marche Apennines, where the natural beauty of the area plays a crucial role in shaping the overall design. The focus is on sustainability and organic wine production, along with rural hospitality. By reusing existing structures, particularly an old farmhouse that will become a wine tasting area, the design honors the local culture and traditions while also aiming for modern functionality.

Design Integration

The design includes a two-level structure with the ground floor housing essential spaces such as a kitchen, a chilling room, a reception area, and a dining room. A spiral staircase connects these spaces to the Tasting Room on the upper level, which features a facade that allows views of the surrounding landscape, particularly Mount Subasio. This design choice promotes a connection between the indoor environment and the natural world outside.

Guest Accommodation

The guest homes are positioned next to the farmhouse in a continuous arrangement made up of five individual units. This layout ensures broad views of the landscape while providing privacy through the inclusion of courtyards. These courtyards serve as private outdoor areas for guests, enhancing their experience and allowing ample natural light to enter the homes. A central natural pool, along with a solarium, adds recreational value to the shared spaces.

Sustainable Construction

A key aspect of the project is its approach to sustainable construction. The design utilizes modular formwork blocks made from mineralized wood, reinforced with cast concrete. This combination provides structural strength while enabling quick assembly. The incorporation of a green roof system with rainwater collection aims to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, solar panels will be included to support power and hot water needs, further promoting energy efficiency.

Architectural Detailing

The wine tasting area is carefully designed to restore and enhance the farmhouse's original character. The approach involves consolidating the external structure and modifying the interior layout. Large windows are placed strategically to create visual links with the landscape, fostering a connection between the building and its environment. The dining room features a double-height ceiling, which adds volume to the space and allows visitors to take in the expansive views, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws attention to the surrounding beauty of the countryside.

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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
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