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Natural Pool Oasis with Sustainable Pergola Retreat

Author:
Joe Ingea
Natural Pool Oasis with Sustainable Pergola Retreat

Project in-detail

A self-cleaning natural pool complements a community of bungalows organized around a central pergola, creating a retreat in the Umbrian vineyards focused on organic wine experiences and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural pool utilizes a self-cleaning ecosystem for water management.
02
Bungalows are arranged around a central "piazzetta" to foster community interaction.
03
Planted roofs enhance thermal efficiency by moderating indoor temperatures.
04
Rooftop lounge offers panoramic views over the surrounding vineyards.
05
Covered walkways protect guests while connecting key communal areas.

The Tili project is located in the beautiful Umbrian vineyards, designed as a retreat focused on high-quality organic wines. It combines traditional and modern elements to create a space where visitors can learn about winemaking, relax, and connect with nature. The layout draws on the concept of a traditional Italian "borgo," inviting interaction among guests while providing individual spaces for tranquility.

Architecture Concept

The design features a communal layout, with bungalows arranged around a central area known as the "piazzetta." This space is shaded by a pergola, encouraging social gatherings among visitors. Access to the site is via a covered walkway that leads to a multifunctional reception area, where guests can shop, dine, and participate in wine tastings, all while enjoying the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the Tili project. Planted roofs help regulate indoor temperatures by retaining heat in winter and reducing heat during summer. This design choice contributes to energy efficiency. Additionally, a photovoltaic farm on the restaurant roof lowers reliance on conventional energy sources. The natural pool is designed with a self-cleaning ecosystem, which reflects an ecological approach to water management.

Interior and Public Spaces

Public areas are organized around a natural pool terrace, enhancing connections between different parts of the development. Large sliding glass doors in the restaurant provide an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air while dining. The design takes advantage of views over the pool and vineyards, providing an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being.

Amenities and Functional Spaces

Inside the main building, visitors find a shop that offers Tili products and local goods, along with a lounge space for gatherings. The restaurant is designed to support a variety of dining experiences and wine tastings, placing local culture at the heart of the guest experience. The planning ensures that visitors can fully engage with the rich environment of the Umbrian countryside, as the architecture blends with the surrounding landscape through large windows and inviting outdoor spaces.

Each bungalow features a private garden, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the vineyards while enjoying moments of solitude or social interaction.

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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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