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Repurposed Structures Featuring Reclaimed Brick and Terracotta in a Communal Tuscan Setting

Authors:
Ioanna Tzetzi, Athanasios Sertsis
Repurposed Structures Featuring Reclaimed Brick and Terracotta in a Communal Tuscan Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating reclaimed brick and terracotta within a communal layout, the design emphasizes sustainable materials and local heritage to create a welcoming environment for guests in Tuscany.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates reclaimed brick from local salvaged materials for environmental sustainability.
02
Utilizes terracotta for wall finishing, reflecting traditional Tuscan craftsmanship.
03
Features biophilic design principles to enhance guests' connection to nature.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels for energy efficiency in the guest homes.
05
Prioritizes communal outdoor spaces to foster social interaction among visitors.

The Tili Vini Guest Homes project is an architectural endeavor located in Tuscany, focusing on the adaptive reuse of existing structures while integrating modern design elements. This project encapsulates a respect for local heritage through its architecture while providing functional spaces for guests. Each home is designed to deliver comfort and privacy, highlighting sustainable practices and the enhancement of communal living experiences.

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability

A significant feature of Tili Vini is its commitment to sustainable design through the adaptive reuse of pre-existing buildings. The architecture is guided by the principles of reducing ecological impact while respecting the historical context of the site. The use of reclaimed materials, such as terracotta and local stone, not only supports regional craftsmanship but also minimizes waste associated with new construction. This focus on sustainability is visualized in the incorporation of photovoltaic panels, promoting energy efficiency and reinforcing the project's commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.

The layout of the guest homes fosters a sense of community among visitors. Shared spaces are strategically placed to engender interaction, with a central gathering area that includes a pool and lounge facilities. This communal aspect distinguishes Tili Vini from other hospitality projects that typically emphasize individual privacy over shared experiences. The design encourages social engagement, allowing guests to fully engage with their surroundings and each other.

Integration with Natural Landscape

The architectural design emphasizes a strong connection with nature, which is a vital consideration in the context of Tuscany’s scenic environment. Each home is positioned to take advantage of natural light and views, with careful attention paid to orientation and landscaping. Native plants and trees are integrated into the design, enhancing biophilic elements and promoting local biodiversity. The use of light-colored plaster and natural materials creates an aesthetic that seamlessly merges the structures with the landscape.

The architectural forms feature sloping roofs and varied volumes, which not only add visual interest but also enhance functional aspects such as passive solar heating and ventilation. These design strategies contribute to the overall performance of the homes while aligning with contemporary architectural standards.

For a comprehensive understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These elements provide valuable insights into the thought processes behind the architectural ideas and unique design approaches implemented in Tili Vini Guest Homes. An examination of these details will clarify how the project successfully integrates modern functionality with traditional Tuscan character.

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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

Enter an open architecture
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