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Retaining Heritage Through Insulated Masonry and Precast Panels in Guest Accommodations

Authors:
Mark Armstrong, Louise Oxnevad, Katy Hargans, Eesha Naikwade
Retaining Heritage Through Insulated Masonry and Precast Panels in Guest Accommodations
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The careful reuse of a centuries-old farm building, combined with insulated masonry and precast panels, forms a sustainable complex of guest accommodations that respects the cultural heritage of Valle Umbra.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project preserves an existing farm building, reducing environmental impact through adaptive reuse.
02
Five guest homes feature a mix of single-level and mezzanine layouts for diverse accessibility.
03
The central courtyard serves as both communal space and a retreat for guests.
04
The design maximizes views of the surrounding countryside, incorporating strategic sightlines.
05
Materials include insulated masonry and exposed arched precast panels, aligning with local building practices.

The project "Famiglia Fattoria: Tili Wine - Italy - Guest Homes" is located in the Valle Umbra, an area known for its farming heritage and beautiful landscapes. The design aims to combine modern elements with the existing historical structures. It preserves a significant farm building while creating new guest accommodations that are in line with the regional character.

Heritage and Adaptation

The approach focuses on reusing the existing farm building, which plays a key role in the design. By keeping this structure, the project honors its historical value and reduces the impact on the environment through lower carbon emissions. The building is transformed into a space that serves a modern function while still reflecting its past.

Central Courtyard

A central courtyard is designed as a gathering space for guests. It encourages social interaction and also offers quieter areas for relaxation. This layout promotes a connection between indoor spaces and the outside, enhancing the experience of those who visit the site.

Guest Accommodations

Five new guest homes are incorporated into the design, each carefully placed to provide privacy while taking advantage of views of the landscape. These homes reflect traditional Umbrian styles and align with the scale of the existing farm structure. The guest accommodations feature both single-level and mezzanine layouts, allowing accessibility for all visitors.

Material Choices

The project uses insulated masonry and exposed arched precast roof panels as main materials. These choices are practical and in keeping with regional building methods. They contribute to the overall comfort of the buildings by improving insulation.

Each guest home has its own courtyard that faces south, encouraging outdoor living and providing a retreat for visitors. The design ensures that these private spaces connect well with the natural surroundings. This approach allows guests to appreciate the beauty of the Valle Umbra while also enjoying their own private areas for relaxation.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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