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Rainwater Collection and Brick Walls in Sustainable Guest Pavilions

Author:
Juan Castañeda
Rainwater Collection and Brick Walls in Sustainable Guest Pavilions

Project in-detail

With roofs designed for rainwater collection and brick walls that connect to local heritage, the guest pavilions seamlessly integrate sustainable practices into the experience of winemaking in Italy’s countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each pavilion features an open gallery that facilitates rainwater collection.
02
The guest pavilions are strategically elevated for optimal landscape views.
03
Private sleeping areas are designed underground to enhance energy efficiency.
04
The materials used include local brick, reflecting the region's architectural heritage.
05
A dedicated tasting pavilion serves as a hub for visitor education and engagement.

The Tili Wine Italy Guest Eco-Homes project is located in the scenic Italian countryside, known for its rich agricultural heritage. The design features six identical pavilions arranged around a central square, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainability. Each pavilion serves as a guest residence while reflecting the local culture of winemaking. The overall concept is built on principles of environmental respect through careful planning and innovative strategies.

Placement and Orientation

The pavilions are elevated to provide expansive views of the surrounding crop fields, enhancing the connection to nature. This height allows for improved airflow, which contributes to comfort in the living spaces. The layout emphasizes openness, utilizing breezes to refresh the interiors and inviting interaction with the landscape.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is at the heart of the design. The roofs of each pavilion are designed to maximize rainwater collection, channeling water to underground systems for reuse. This careful planning helps minimize waste and supports the local ecosystem. Additionally, geothermal energy is employed by placing private areas below ground level, allowing for stable temperatures and reducing energy consumption.

Materiality and Form

The project uniquely combines traditional and modern elements through selected materials. Brick walls tie the pavilions to local architectural traditions, reflecting the history of winemaking in the region. The contemporary steel roofs provide a contrast, creating a balance between historical references and modern design that enhances the overall visual appeal.

Visitor Experience

A key feature of the design is the tasting pavilion, serving as the main hub for visitor engagement. This pavilion offers educational opportunities related to the winemaking process, alongside spaces for wine tasting. It is equipped with necessary amenities to facilitate a pleasant experience for guests, merging functionality with a focus on community interaction.

The design creates an open gallery that surrounds the pavilions. This space acts as a gathering area, reinforcing connections among guests while integrating with the natural landscape.

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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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