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Preserving Heritage with Existing Structures and Natural Light in Guest Home Design

Authors:
Yesim Unal, Feride Sener yilmaz, Merve Türk, Melody Safarkhani
Preserving Heritage with Existing Structures and Natural Light in Guest Home Design

Project in-detail

Retaining existing structures while maximizing natural light and creating outdoor terraces, the design forms a unique connection to the surrounding landscape in a series of guest homes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retains components of the existing main building for sustainability.
02
Features outdoor terraces that enhance natural ventilation.
03
Utilizes a north-south orientation for optimal light and airflow.
04
Integrates mountain and vineyard views in bedroom placements.
05
Mimics the layout of traditional Italian town squares.

Tili Wine Guest Homes is situated near historic Italian towns, offering a blend of contemporary living with local cultural heritage. The aim is to create an environment that promotes community interactions while respecting the natural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the architecture of nearby towns, facilitating a sense of connection and sustainability throughout the development.

Architectural Concept

The design emphasizes the spirit of place, merging it with functional spaces for living. It reflects the feel of Italian town squares, where public and residential buildings come together to encourage social gatherings. The layout is carefully oriented to provide shelter from harsh northern winds while maximizing sunlight access. This combination enhances the use of outdoor communal areas, making them more inviting and practical.

Integration of Existing Structures

A significant decision in the planning process was to retain parts of the existing main building on-site. This choice supports sustainability by using materials that are already available while honoring the site's history. Retaining these historical elements allows for a richer narrative, bridging the past with contemporary living conditions. The integration of these structures brings unique character to the overall design.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of guest homes follows a north-south orientation designed to improve natural ventilation and light within the interiors. This setup encourages airflow, making living spaces more comfortable. Extended roof lines create outdoor terraces that shield residents from the elements and allow natural light to flood into the main areas. This thoughtful design reduces reliance on artificial lighting, fostering a more sustainable environment.

Public-Private Dynamics

The design carefully balances public and private spaces. Semi-private indoor areas, like living rooms, face the outdoor public spaces, inviting interactions among residents. In contrast, the private bedrooms are positioned to overlook the scenic mountains and vineyards. This arrangement enhances privacy while still encouraging a sense of community. It encourages both personal reflection and social engagement in a harmonious setting.

The approach taken in Tili Wine Guest Homes highlights a respectful relationship with its geographic and cultural context, offering vibrant spaces that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The project's design choices create a living environment that is both functional and deeply connected to its history.

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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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