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Plaster Facades and Vault Shapes in Intimate Guest Homes

Author:
Dorin Samano
Plaster Facades and Vault Shapes in Intimate Guest Homes

Project in-detail

With its recessed entrances and vault shapes inspired by local hills, the design harmoniously blends plaster facades and arched windows to create intimate guest homes for wine-tasting visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recessed entrances enhance privacy and intimacy for guests.
02
Vault shapes symbolize local wine production and reflect surrounding hills.
03
Large arched windows provide natural light and vistas to outdoor terraces.
04
The design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces for natural ventilation.
05
Roof terraces function as rain gardens, capturing rainwater for reuse.

The TILI Wine Italy Guest Homes, known as "VITA," is located in a scenic area of Italy, combining functions for both wine tasting and accommodation. The design concept focuses on creating a strong connection between the buildings and their natural surroundings. Inspired by the gentle hills of the region, the architecture reflects this landscape while representing the character of winemaking. This thoughtful approach encourages a calm atmosphere and enhances social interactions among guests.

Design Concept
The guest houses feature a single prototype design with a recessed entrance that offers both warmth and privacy. Their forms are inspired by the shape of wine bottles and the nearby hills, creating a cohesive link to the site's purpose. The minimalist elevations are characterized by clear lines and simple shapes. Large arched windows provide bright natural light and connect the indoor spaces to the outdoor terraces.

Spatial Layout
The floor plans are designed with care to ensure ease of movement and usability. The common wine house includes distinct areas for wine tasting, dining, and storage, allowing for both communal enjoyment and private experiences. Each guest house is well-equipped with separate living, sleeping, and bathing areas, offering comfort to individuals and families. This arrangement strikes a balance between public engagement and personal retreat.

Sustainability Strategies
Sustainability plays a key role in the VITA approach, evident in the integration of environmentally friendly practices. The wine-tasting area supports natural airflow by combining indoor and outdoor elements, lessening the need for artificial cooling. The roof terrace is designed as a rain garden, capturing rainwater for reuse in irrigation. These elements help reduce the environmental impact while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Materiality and Aesthetics
The choice of materials reflects durability and ease of maintenance. The facades are proposed to use plaster, which is strong and long-lasting. The roof is suggested to be made of metal, providing a cohesive look and additional protection. These material choices complement the overall design, addressing both practical needs and aesthetic appeal.

The guest houses incorporate generous terraces that overlook the vineyards, creating inviting spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. They encourage guests to connect with the landscape while enjoying their stay.

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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
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