Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reclaimed Materials and Natural Ventilation in a Vineyard-Centered Community Retreat

Author:
T dániel Losoncz
Reclaimed Materials and Natural Ventilation in a Vineyard-Centered Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Reclaimed materials and a focus on natural ventilation shape a contemporary retreat that harmonizes with its vineyard surroundings, offering guests a unique experience rooted in the essence of Umbria.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central vineyard serves as the focal point for the overall layout.
02
Homes feature mirrored floor plans to optimize natural light.
03
Design incorporates reused materials from deconstructed structures.
04
Natural landscaping replaces traditional fencing for openness.
05
Guest homes utilize rainwater collection for irrigation and restrooms.

"Call Me Hyaline" is located in the beautiful Umbrian region of Italy. The design centers around guest homes and a wine tasting area, all arranged around a central vineyard. The aim is to create a modern group of buildings that blend with the natural environment. This project emphasizes simplicity and clarity, providing a comfortable space for visitors to connect with the landscape.

Site Layout

The overall layout features a U-shaped inner courtyard, which helps protect the buildings from northern winds while encouraging visual connections. This design fosters a sense of community among guests and creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites interaction.



Guest Homes

There are five guest homes, each with a floor area of at least 70 square meters. The homes are designed with mirrored floor plans, ensuring good natural light and views toward the courtyard. Shaded entrances provided by pergolas enhance the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging interaction with the surrounding environment.



Sustainability

Energy efficiency plays a significant role in the design. Each guest home is built to maintain a comfortable climate without heavy mechanical systems. Solar panels and rainwater collection systems show a commitment to sustainable practices. The use of reused materials from older buildings also helps to lessen the environmental impact.



Wine Tasting Area

The wine tasting area includes a central terrace and a two-story building that serves kitchen and dining functions. Large sliding doors connect the indoor space to the outdoors, further promoting a convenient atmosphere. This connection allows guests to move easily between inside and outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Umbrian region.



Instead of traditional fences, the design relies on natural landscaping to define spaces subtly. This choice enhances the openness of the layout and emphasizes a connection to nature. The careful selection of architectural elements reflects a deep respect for the local environment, creating a project that acknowledges the essence of Umbria and its landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy