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Rammed Earth Walls and Green Roofing in a Sustainable Community Retreat

Authors:
Nergis Ayik, Jorge Rico Rivera
Rammed Earth Walls and Green Roofing in a Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

With rammed earth walls and a green roof that blend seamlessly into the landscape, the retreat offers a sustainable environment promoting community engagement and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal mass, ensuring energy efficiency.
02
A green roof fosters biodiversity while providing natural insulation.
03
Flexible interior spaces adapt for communal gatherings or individual retreats.
04
Natural light is maximized through expansive glazing and strategic positioning.
05
Shallow water features integrate aesthetics with environmental cooling.
"Templum Vini" is an architectural project that embodies a harmonious relationship between nature and built form. Designed primarily as a sustainable retreat, it focuses on the essentials of comfort and community engagement. The project accommodates various functions, offering guest houses, communal dining and wine-tasting areas, and tranquil spaces for reflection. Its design is informed by the geographical context, integrating local materials to enhance visual continuity and environmental responsiveness.

Environmental Integration and Design Approach

The architectural design emphasizes a strong connection to the landscape through the use of rammed earth for walls, which provides thermal mass and enhances the tactile quality of the space. Reinforced concrete is employed for structural integrity, while wood accents throughout the interiors foster warmth. Expansive glazing is strategically placed to allow abundant natural light, creating a sense of openness and fostering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

A defining characteristic of "Templum Vini" is its innovative water management strategy. Shallow pools interspersed throughout the site not only serve as aesthetic features but also contribute to temperature regulation, cooling the air and creating calming atmospheres. Green roofs are incorporated to facilitate biodiversity and assist in natural insulation, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Functional and Social Spaces

The project is organized around communal gathering spaces that promote social interaction. The central dining area and outdoor wine tasting space are designed to accommodate larger groups, encouraging communal experiences. Individual guest houses provide privacy while maintaining close proximity to shared spaces, facilitating an optimal balance between personal retreat and social engagement.

Unique design approaches within "Templum Vini" include the incorporation of flexible, multipurpose areas that can easily adapt to various activities, from meditation sessions to social events. The architectural plan maximizes the potential for natural ventilation and passive heating, enhancing overall energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Explore the project presentation for a detailed examination of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that contribute to the unique character of "Templum Vini." Discover how the project's thoughtful approach to sustainability and design reshapes the experience of engaging with nature.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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