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Rammed Earth Structure Merging with Sensory Gardens in the Umbrian Landscape

Authors:
Jemima Dabell, Luke Bird, Ashley Thompson
Rammed Earth Structure Merging with Sensory Gardens in the Umbrian Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and enhanced by sensory gardens, this winery venue harmonizes with the Umbrian landscape while providing a unique visitor experience that highlights local culture and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth to blend with the landscape.
02
Features a sensory garden designed to enhance local biodiversity.
03
Utilizes reclaimed bricks from historical structures on site.
04
Incorporates flexible spaces that adapt to various community functions.
05
Emphasizes eco-friendly practices through circular design principles.

The project is situated in the Umbrian Valley, where rolling hills meet vineyards and historical architecture. It serves as a venue for Tili Vini, providing a unique experience that highlights the region's rich culture and traditions. The design concept focuses on creating a sensorial landscape that encourages visitors to connect with the environment and the winery's heritage.

SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Visitors engage with both indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a rich multi-sensory experience. The layout promotes community interaction while allowing for versatile use of spaces. This design approach invites people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Umbrian Valley while fostering social connections among guests.

CONTEXTUAL INTEGRATION

The building's form is shaped to reflect the natural contours of the landscape. By emphasizing the surrounding environment, the design fits harmoniously with the terrain. It incorporates spaces designed for quiet reflection and social gatherings, capturing the essence of local customs and values.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Sustainability is a fundamental principle guiding the design. The approach integrates circular design elements that address environmental and economic factors. This not only helps reduce the ecological footprint but also enhances local biodiversity through landscaping that educates and provides a peaceful area for visitors.

MATERIALITY

Material choice is key to fulfilling both aesthetic and functional goals. The use of rammed earth aligns with local building techniques and reduces the environmental impact. Timber boarding serves as cladding, creating a visual link to regional architecture. Reclaimed bricks from previous structures maintain historical significance, while sedum roofs support environmental performance and blend the building with its surroundings.

The design ultimately creates a strong connection among the winery, its visitors, and the surrounding landscape, highlighting how architecture can respond to and enrich local culture and ecology.

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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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