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Rammed Earth and Timber Spaces Intertwined with a Sensory Garden Experience

Authors:
Jemima Dabell, Luke Bird, Ashley Thompson
Rammed Earth and Timber Spaces Intertwined with a Sensory Garden Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and timber, the tasting bar integrates a sensory garden that enhances biodiversity while inviting visitors to engage with the natural landscape and experience local wines.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using rammed earth, the tasting bar reduces the carbon footprint.
02
A sensory garden connects the wine tasting area with guest houses, enhancing biodiversity.
03
Salvaged bricks from the existing structure promote resource reuse and sustainability.
04
Timber boarding complements the earthy tones, creating a natural aesthetic.
05
Flexible communal spaces allow for a variety of local events and gatherings.

The tasting bar at Tili Vini winery is located in the beautiful Umbrian Valley, aiming to strengthen the connection between the built environment and nature. Designed to serve as a space for tasting and experiencing local wines, the project focuses on inviting visitor interaction through the integration of communal areas and immersive sensory experiences. Existing structures have been carefully considered and incorporated into the design to maintain a sense of history while introducing modern elements that reflect the winery's traditions.

Design Layout

The layout follows natural desire lines, which helps visitors navigate the space intuitively. Upon entering, guests encounter a reconstructed entrance that respects the original building's character. A prominent staircase greets them, offering elevated views over the landscape and augmenting the entry experience. This feature establishes a visual and physical connection to the surrounding valley, enhancing the sense of place.

Sensory Garden Integration

A key aspect of the design is the sensory garden route, which links the wine tasting area with the guest houses. This pathway invites visitors to explore the environment more deeply, highlighting native plants and encouraging interaction with the vineyard's natural elements. Guest pods have been thoughtfully placed to take advantage of the stunning views, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection.

Material and Sustainability Approach

The design emphasizes sustainability by using rammed earth as the main construction method for the tasting bar. Timber boarding complements this choice, contributing to a natural aesthetic. In the guest houses, salvaged bricks from deconstructed structures are repurposed, promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste. Sedum roofs are included to blend the buildings with the landscape, supporting local biodiversity.

Visitor Interaction and Community Space

The design prioritizes communal spaces meant for various activities. The wine tasting area is intended as a permanent fixture within the community. Visitors will find a reception area on the ground floor, along with adaptable spaces that can host market stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live performances. These elements encourage collaboration between local residents and guests, fostering a lively and engaging environment.

The rammed earth facade complements the natural terrain, creating a harmonious connection to the Umbrian landscape. Each detail reflects the winery’s commitment to both sustainability and a respect for cultural heritage.

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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
competition now

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