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Natural Grey Platonised Facade Enhancing Biodiversity in a Small Guesthouse

Author:
Niels Roodbergen
Natural Grey Platonised Facade Enhancing Biodiversity in a Small Guesthouse

Project in-detail

Utilizing a green roof system with intensive planting and a platonised spruce façade, the guesthouse enhances local biodiversity while providing a sustainable retreat in the heart of Umbria.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural grey platonised facade enhances durability and integrates with the landscape.
02
Intensive green roof design supports local biodiversity and effective rainwater management.
03
Energy-efficient features include comprehensive thermal insulation and vapor control.
04
Recycled plastic used in the flooring reflects commitment to sustainable materials.
05
Elevated ground floors provide expansive views while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Garden of Tili is located in the scenic region of Umbria and serves as a unique guesthouse designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The project focuses on sustainability and reflects the cultural history of the Tili family. The overall design concept emphasizes a strong connection between architecture and nature by creating spaces that blend with the landscape and promote environmentally friendly practices.

Materials and Sustainability

A key aspect of the design is its commitment to sustainability, using methods that reduce carbon emissions and promote ecological balance. The guesthouse features a green roof with a drainage mat and a root protection membrane to manage rainwater effectively. This design choice enhances biodiversity by providing a habitat for various plants. The inclusion of thermal insulation ensures energy efficiency, while a three-ply seal undercoat protects the building from weather conditions.

Facade and Exterior Elements

The guesthouse is clad in platonised spruce, finished with a light grey weather stain that complements the colors of the surrounding landscape. This durable choice not only serves practical purposes but also ties the structure to its environment. The design prioritizes insulation as well, utilizing mineral wool and a vapor retarder to improve thermal performance, making the interior comfortable throughout the year.

Interior Design Features

Inside, the guesthouse features a floor made of PU-cast and recycled plastic, showcasing a commitment to sustainable materials while providing durability. Structural elements like OSB panels and steel anchor bolts create a strong framework, allowing the spaces to be flexible for various uses. Elevated ground floors offer expansive views of the landscape, promoting a connection between indoor living and the outdoors.

Design Continuity

The design of the porch mirrors the main guesthouse, incorporating light roof planting that facilitates a smooth transition between inside and outside. Both structures combine form and function in a way that enhances the experience of living in the space while respecting the natural environment. The careful arrangement of architectural elements creates a cohesive identity that honors the area’s cultural heritage.

A notable feature of the guesthouse is its integration with the landscape, where outdoor spaces invite guests to engage with the natural beauty surrounding them.

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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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