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Rammed Earth and Reclaimed Brick Retreat Emphasizing Thermal Comfort in Umbria

Author:
Robert claude Gaspard
Rammed Earth and Reclaimed Brick Retreat Emphasizing Thermal Comfort in Umbria

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and reclaimed brick, the guest homes in Umbria are designed to integrate thermal mass and optimize comfort while promoting a deep connection to the surrounding vineyards and landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide significant thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Reclaimed brick from local demolitions adds historical context and sustainability.
03
Mono-pitch roofs create ample shading while enhancing structural simplicity.
04
Carefully oriented openings maximize views of nearby vineyards and mountains.
05
Integrated outdoor spaces promote a seamless connection to the natural environment.

The Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes project is located in the beautiful region of Umbria, Italy. The design focuses on creating an environment that encourages relaxation and connection with nature. Guided by the idea of "Dolce far niente," or the sweetness of doing nothing, the spaces are meant to inspire guests to engage in quiet reflection or social interaction. The layout features guest homes and a central wine tasting building arranged thoughtfully to enhance the overall experience.

Design Organization

The arrangement of the guest homes establishes distinct areas for public, semi-public, and private use. The wine tasting building serves as a central gathering point, encouraging movement and interaction among guests. This thoughtful organization allows people to easily navigate the spaces while choosing between opportunities for socializing and moments of solitude.

Spatial Integration

A notable aspect of the design is the connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors. The layout captures views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, helping guests feel linked to the landscape. Orientation choices enhance airflow and shade, making the environment comfortable. Visitors can enjoy nature while still feeling sheltered, contributing to the calm atmosphere.

Material Utilization

Material choices are important to the project's character, emphasizing sustainability and local culture. Rammed earth is a primary building material, reflecting traditional construction methods and offering thermal benefits. Reclaimed brick is used from demolished structures, adding historical significance to the walls while aiding in water management.

Timber is used for roofing systems, chosen for its efficiency and visual appeal. The roofs provide shade and protect the rammed earth, contributing to the overall durability of the buildings. Concrete is employed in the foundation, ensuring stability and strength.

Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

The surrounding landscape has been designed to complement the architecture. Trees, patios, and gravel pathways create comfortable outdoor areas for relaxation. This integration of natural features enhances the guest experience, allowing people to enjoy their surroundings at their own pace.

A reflecting pool near the main entrance adds to the environment, mirroring the architecture and landscape. This feature deepens the connection between built structures and nature, inviting guests to pause and appreciate the design in its context.

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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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