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Natural Stone Walls with Panoramic Views in a Vineyard Retreat

Authors:
Wilfred Leung, Siyao Zheng, Zack Lenza
Natural Stone Walls with Panoramic Views in a Vineyard Retreat
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Natural stone walls frame expansive views of the Umbrian valley, creating a harmonious retreat that balances privacy with a sense of community for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone walls define private and communal spaces while enhancing the visual connection to the landscape.
02
Guest houses incorporate glass walls to maximize natural light and mountain views while ensuring privacy.
03
A central courtyard serves as a social hub, encouraging interaction among guests before and after events.
04
The wine tasting room is elevated, providing panoramic views of the Umbrian valley from the upper floor.
05
Brick screens enclose small gardens, fostering a blend of privacy and integration with the surrounding vineyard.

The design integrates hospitality with the natural beauty of the Umbrian region. It focuses on creating guest accommodations that provide privacy and communal areas, while also allowing views of the landscape. A network of natural stone walls organizes the site effectively, defining spaces for the guest houses and enhancing the visual connection to the valley. This arrangement strengthens the relationship between visitors and the surroundings, offering both comfort and a rich experience of nature.

Site Organization

The layout includes a central courtyard adjacent to the existing building intended for social interaction among guests. This open space serves as a gathering area, allowing visitors to come together before and after events. By prioritizing communal space, the design balances the private needs of individual guests with the benefits of shared experiences.

Guest House Design

Guest houses feature glass walls on one or two sides, allowing in natural light and offering expansive views of the mountains. This design element not only connects the interior to the outdoor landscape but also maintains privacy between units and from the road. The thoughtful arrangement creates an intimate experience for guests without compromising their sense of seclusion.

Wine Tasting Room

The existing structure has been modified to include a wine tasting room situated on an upper level. A secondary steel structure raises this space, providing wide-ranging views of the Umbrian valley. The vertical wall at the entrance features openings that pay homage to the winemaker’s family name, adding a personal touch to the design. This feature combines functionality with storytelling, enhancing the character of the space.

Landscaping Integration

Key sightlines are preserved by removing certain existing structures, resulting in unobstructed views toward the mountains. The garden courts extend into the surrounding vineyard, promoting a natural flow between living areas and cultivated land. Brick screens enclose these gardens, enhancing privacy while deepening the connection between the buildings and the landscape. This thoughtful landscaping creates a retreat for guests, surrounded by the region’s natural beauty.

The thoughtful combination of space, light, and the surrounding landscape comes together to create a design that respects its context and enhances the experience for visitors.

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Enter an open architecture
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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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