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Rammed Earth Retreat Embracing Vineyard Views

Author:
Kristina Lehmann
Rammed Earth Retreat Embracing Vineyard Views

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the hotel offers expansive vineyard views while prioritizing sustainability and guest wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with sustainable rammed earth for lower environmental impact.
02
Features a skybridge connecting accommodations directly to the restaurant.
03
Vineyard-facing rooms are designed for optimal natural light and views.
04
Incorporates a wellness area with both indoor and outdoor spa facilities.
05
Flexible event space includes expansive windows that frame vineyard vistas.

Visus is located at the Genius Loci Monte D'Oiro and operates as a hotel that connects with its rural environment. The design emphasizes views of nearby vineyards, fostering a relationship between the building and its natural surroundings. Careful organization of spaces balances both function and design, while honoring the area's agricultural and historical significance.

Sustainable Design

The primary material used is sustainable rammed earth, which demonstrates a commitment to protecting the environment. This choice promotes efficient thermal performance, helping to lower energy costs during use. Using rammed earth supports a philosophy of aligning the building with the landscape, showcasing colors and textures that reflect the local environment.

Spatial Organization

Visus effectively separates public and private areas for users. Guest rooms come in several styles, each positioned to provide views of the vineyards. Communal lounges are located on each floor, encouraging social interaction while respecting personal space. This layout creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests while maintaining a sense of privacy.

Wellness and Leisure Facilities

The wellness areas are designed to promote relaxation and health. Amenities like an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center offer varied options for guests to unwind. The integration of outdoor spaces enhances the feeling of peace, allowing visitors to enjoy nature as part of their leisure experience.

Event Spaces

Event facilities are designed to be flexible and cater to different needs. Among them, a large gathering space features expansive windows that frame views of the vineyards. This design choice makes good use of natural light and connects the interior with the exterior landscape.

Visus incorporates carefully shaped volumes and strategic use of glass to create varied interactions between light and shadow throughout the day. Each detail enhances the overall experience, reflecting the spirit of the environment.

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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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