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Natural Wood and Plaster Retreat in the Italian Countryside

Authors:
Maria Angelopoulou, Christos Christides
Natural Wood and Plaster Retreat in the Italian Countryside

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural wood and plaster, the design integrates two guesthouses around a central outdoor space, emphasizing community and connection in the serene Italian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a focus on sustainable practices, integrating recyclable materials.
02
The design includes private patios for each guesthouse to enhance outdoor living.
03
Central outdoor space encourages social interaction among guests.
04
Preservation of two existing structures maintains the site’s historical context.
05
Natural wood and plaster materials create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

TILI WINE ITALY GUEST HOMES combines elements of historical architecture with modern design. Located in the serene Italian countryside, the project features guesthouses designed for visitors looking to experience the rich traditions of the Tili family. The design concept focuses on creating a welcoming environment that connects the past with contemporary living needs, encouraging interactions among guests and a deeper connection to the local culture.

Materiality

The choice of materials plays an essential role in the design. Natural materials like wood and plaster are used in the construction of the guesthouses, allowing them to blend with the existing structures. This approach promotes a sense of unity across the site. The inclusion of recyclable and demountable materials, such as metal, reflects a commitment to sustainability, minimizing environmental impact while supporting modern construction practices.

Spatial Configuration

Two distinct zones are arranged around a central outdoor space, fostering a sense of community among the guesthouses. Each unit is equipped with a patio that provides privacy and access to natural light, offering guests a chance to connect with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful layout enhances the experience of nature, ensuring guests can appreciate the beauty of the area while enjoying their stay.

Functional Integration

The primary building includes a wine tasting area, kitchen, and dining room, which serve as a communal space. This layout encourages social interaction among guests, reflecting values of togetherness important to the Tili family. The functional design creates a lively atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage with one another and share their experiences.

The alignment of the new guesthouses with existing buildings not only reinforces a sense of historical continuity but also adds to the overall visual appeal of the site. The use of a neutral color palette allows the structures to complement the landscape while keeping the focus on the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience for everyone who visits.

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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

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