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Reflective Pool And Local Stone Integration In A Biophilic Villa Design

Authors:
Jack Philip Boyle, Marco Didonato
Reflective Pool And Local Stone Integration In A Biophilic Villa Design

Project in-detail

The integration of a reflective pool and locally sourced stone enhances the biophilic qualities of this villa, creating a seamless connection between indoor living spaces and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The villa incorporates a reflective pool that enhances natural light throughout the interior.
02
Locally sourced stone is utilized to harmonize the structure with its environmental context.
03
A bent A-frame design facilitates unique spatial dynamics and reinforces structural integrity.
04
Biophilic elements are seamlessly integrated, fostering a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Large windows offer panoramic views while optimizing passive solar heating.

### Overview

Located in the Plajù region, known for its distinctive **Terra Rosata** soil, the villa draws inspiration from the architectural philosophies of Leon Battista Alberti, a seminal figure in Renaissance architecture. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape by integrating classical elements with modern architectural practices. By reflecting Alberti’s views on beauty and proportion, the project serves to blend contemporary necessities with historical aesthetics in a unique context.

### Site and Environmental Integration

The villa is strategically situated to align with the topography and microclimate of Plajù. Its orientation optimizes natural light, supporting passive solar heating to enhance energy efficiency. Pathways leading from the agricultural fields to the villa's entrances reinforce the connection between the structure and the landscape, allowing for a fluid movement between interior and exterior spaces. This design approach respects the local environment while fostering a sense of continuity with the agricultural practices surrounding the site.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural materiality is informed by the vernacular characteristics of the region, focusing on sustainability and resilience. Locally sourced stone provides structural integrity and warmth, while terracotta tiles introduce thermal mass, ensuring comfort in varying climatic conditions. Exposed wood beams add rustic charm reminiscent of Northern Italian villas, and concrete elements are integrated thoughtfully within traditional masonry aesthetics. This careful selection not only supports the project’s sustainability objectives but also grounds the villa within its natural context, promoting ecological responsibility throughout its design.

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

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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