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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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