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Rammed Earth Structure Enhances Vineyard Views with Glass Volume and Courtyard Space

Authors:
Lavinia Stefan, Cristiana Roman, Melania Dulamea, Bogdan Pasat
Rammed Earth Structure Enhances Vineyard Views with Glass Volume and Courtyard Space

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth, the winery integrates a glass volume and courtyard space that frames panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, serving as a destination for wine tasting and hospitality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with site-sourced rammed earth, promoting sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
02
Features a public glass volume that maximizes natural light and panoramic vineyard views.
03
Layout includes five demi-level guest homes, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
04
Incorporates passive cooling methods such as earth tubes for energy efficiency.
05
Offers a covered courtyard designed for displaying local vineyard products.

The Tili Vini Winery sits in the picturesque hills near Assisi, Italy. The design features a mono-volume structure that blends with the surrounding vineyards, providing a distinct presence without overwhelming the natural landscape. The winery serves as both a space for producing vineyard products and a venue for visitors to enjoy tastings. It is built on principles of integration with the local environment and a focus on sustainability.

Functionality is an essential component of the design, organized across three distinct levels. The ground floor includes a covered courtyard that showcases vineyard products and offers a sitting area for tastings, along with an open kitchen that encourages social interaction. On the first floor, a glass volume creates the dining room, featuring expansive views and an outdoor terrace for wine tasting. The basement is designed for storage of vineyard products as well as spaces for special events.

The guest accommodations are located in close relation to the vineyard rows, consisting of five demi-level homes arranged in two clusters. Each home is designed to provide direct views of the vineyards from the main living areas, and roof terraces expand the sightlines to the scenic Umbrian landscape. This layout simplifies the connection between indoor living and the exterior environment, allowing guests to feel part of the land.

Material choices contribute significantly to the overall character of the winery. Rammed earth forms the main structure, providing a solid, tactile quality while linking the building to its setting. This material is sourced from excavations on-site, allowing for a connection to the local landscape. Large glass panels between the rammed earth walls enhance the interaction between inside and outside spaces, making the environment bright and inviting.

Sustainability is a guiding focus throughout the design. The thermal mass of rammed earth aids in temperature regulation, keeping the interior comfortable. Passive cooling methods, such as earth tubes, help maintain airflow. Incorporating solar photovoltaic glass panels on the southern facades supports energy efficiency, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of the winery.

At the edge of the roof terrace, the public glass volume frames a view of the surrounding landscape. This feature allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Umbrian valley as they enjoy wine and local dishes. The thoughtful design emphasizes a connection to the land while providing a welcoming space for all who visit.

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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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