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Natural Pool Retreat Surrounded by Planted Roofs and Bungalows

Author:
Joe Ingea
Natural Pool Retreat Surrounded by Planted Roofs and Bungalows

Project in-detail

A self-cleaning natural pool complements bungalows with planted roofs, creating a sustainable retreat in the Umbria vineyards focused on community and organic wine experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
A self-cleaning natural pool utilizes a biological filtration system for eco-friendly maintenance.
02
Bungalows are arranged around a communal piazzetta, promoting social interaction among guests.
03
Planted roofs enhance thermal regulation while blending with the natural landscape.
04
The design prioritizes privacy with strategically placed small windows in public areas.
05
A rooftop lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

The design for the Tili family unfolds in the heart of the Umbrian vineyards, combining relaxation with the appreciation of high-quality organic wines and local produce. The setting serves as both a retreat and a learning space, integrating traditional Italian design with modern attributes to create a welcoming environment. The focus is on fostering community while respecting the surrounding landscape.

Layout and Community Engagement

The arrangement of the site centers on a communal piazzetta, with bungalows surrounding this shared space. This layout encourages guests to interact and engage with one another. Each bungalow prioritizes privacy through small windows that limit views into the private areas, while large openings connect the indoors to the vineyard landscape. These thoughtful design choices enhance the experience of both light and nature within the living spaces.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is central to the design approach. Planted roofs help to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heat during the summer months and keeping warmth in during colder seasons. This feature helps to improve energy efficiency across the facilities. The inclusion of a photovoltaic farm on the roof of the restaurant supports the energy needs of the site, emphasizing a commitment to using renewable energy sources.

Natural Pool Design

The natural pool is a notable aspect of the design, functioning as a self-cleaning ecosystem that eliminates the use of chemicals. Designed with biological filters, the pool maintains clean water while promoting a healthier swimming experience. This approach integrates the pool into the overall environment, allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings while benefiting from eco-friendly practices.

Integration of Public and Private Spaces

The design encourages a fluid connection between public and private areas. Public spaces like the restaurant and lounge are strategically placed around the natural pool, enhancing the experience of the shared environment. Large sliding glass doors facilitate easy access and views from indoor spaces to the outdoors, allowing guests to fully appreciate the landscape. This layout aims to create a comfortable atmosphere where relaxation and social engagement can thrive.

Natural light fills the shared areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The thoughtful design allows for enjoyment of the beautiful views of the Umbrian hills, enriching the experience for all visitors.

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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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