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Perforated Steel Sunshade Framing Guesthouses in the Umbrian Landscape

Authors:
Aenny Passeron, Agathe Manche, Léa Journet
Perforated Steel Sunshade Framing Guesthouses in the Umbrian Landscape

Project in-detail

The large steel sunshade envelops the main building while providing expansive views and shaded areas for the five guesthouses, harmonizing functionality with the natural beauty of the Umbrian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The large steel sunshade provides both protection and aesthetic framing for the main building.
02
Guesthouses are strategically oriented to balance light and shade for optimal guest comfort.
03
Native plants are integrated into the landscape design to enhance local biodiversity.
04
Curtain walls allow expansive views of the surrounding Umbrian landscape and vineyards.
05
A natural pool serves as a central feature, promoting relaxation and connection to nature.

The Tili Wine project is located in the scenic Umbrian region of Italy, comprising five guesthouses and a main building. The design aims to connect the architecture with its natural surroundings, creating a modern interpretation of traditional Umbrian styles. It emphasizes natural light and panoramic views of the vineyards and hills, enhancing the visitor experience through careful spatial organization.

Design Concept and Structure
The project focuses on the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Adjustments to the southern façade of the main building include large curtain walls that let in plenty of natural light while framing stunning views of the landscape. This design choice strengthens visual links and enhances the experience for guests, allowing them to feel at one with the environment.

Delineation of Spaces
A key feature of the project is the large steel sunshade that surrounds the main building. This element protects from direct sunlight and improves sightlines toward the vineyards and hills. The placement of the five guesthouses around a natural pool creates a unified outdoor area, encouraging exploration throughout the property. Each guesthouse is designed to maximize light and views, promoting interaction with the landscape.

Landscape Integration
The outdoor design includes a variety of native plants, such as pine trees, cypress, oleander, olive trees, lavender, and rosemary. These plants are placed thoughtfully to provide shade while also responding to the light, enhancing the experience of the guesthouses. This careful consideration of the local environment shows an understanding of the site, contributing to an engaging experience for visitors.

Material Selection
Weather-resistant steel is used for the sunshade, ensuring durability and longevity in changing weather. The perforated steel components allow light to filter through while maintaining strength, adding to the overall appearance of the design. This choice of materials shows a commitment to blending the architecture with the characteristics of the Umbrian landscape.

The way light and shadow interact across the guesthouses offers a unique visual experience throughout the day, encouraging guests to engage with their surroundings in different ways.

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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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