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Platonised Spruce and Intensive Planting in a Sustainable Guesthouse Design

Author:
Niels Roodbergen
Platonised Spruce and Intensive Planting in a Sustainable Guesthouse Design
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Utilizing platonised spruce cladding and an intensive planting system, the design harmonizes with the landscape while achieving energy efficiency as a sustainable guesthouse in Umbria.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an intensive roof planting system that enhances biodiversity.
02
Incorporates platonised spruce cladding for durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a 260 mm layer of XPS thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
04
Equipped with a drainage mat to manage water effectively and prevent structural issues.
05
Designed to facilitate natural ventilation and passive cooling for occupant comfort.

The Garden of Tili is located in Umbria and represents a blend of sustainability and cultural heritage. The design thoughtfully connects the built environment with the natural landscape, creating spaces that serve both practical functions and visual appeal. Focusing on circularity, the project emphasizes reusing existing materials and ensuring that new construction can be adapted for future needs.

Roof Guesthouse

The roof guesthouse features an intensive planting system that serves multiple purposes. A 50 mm layer of mulch sits on a 135 mm light substrate, providing a foundation for plant life. A 20 mm drainage mat with integrated filter fleece manages water flow effectively. Below this, a 260 mm layer of XPS thermal insulation enhances energy efficiency. The structure's integrity is supported by a 5.5 mm three-ply seal undercoat and an 18 mm OSB panel, which includes timber wedges to facilitate drainage.

Facade Design

Platonised spruce cladding makes up the facade, which is treated with a light grey weather stain. This treatment protects the wood from the elements while providing a cohesive look. The facade's construction also incorporates battens and a wind protective layer, along with 200 mm of mineral wool insulation. This combination significantly boosts the building’s thermal performance, allowing it to fit well within its natural surroundings.

Flooring Systems

The flooring throughout the guesthouse reflects a commitment to sustainability. A 5 mm PU-cast floor includes 30% recycled plastic, minimizing the environmental impact. An 85 mm heating screed supports the floor, along with a separating layer and 20 mm of XPS thermal insulation. Together, these elements ensure comfort and energy efficiency in the living spaces while adhering to the project’s eco-friendly goals.

Porch and Structural Elements

The roof porch showcases light planting, including moss and sedum. These plants sit on a 100 mm substrate that works with a 100 mm water retention layer to manage rainwater effectively. Structural components include a 22 mm OSB panel and 400 mm platonised spruce beams, providing strength to the design while maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

On the porch floor, 20 x 115 mm floorboards made from platonised and profiled frake are used, reinforcing the project’s material unity and durability. The arrangement of spaces promotes airflow and passive cooling, allowing the design to respond to climatic conditions. This connection between indoor and outdoor areas enhances the experience of the space, inviting nature into daily life.

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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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