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Rustic Openings and Timber Features in a Modern Winery Experience

Author:
Blend Dema
Rustic Openings and Timber Features in a Modern Winery Experience

Project in-detail

The integration of rustic openings and timber elements enhances the character of a renovated winery in Umbria, offering a blend of guest accommodations and communal tasting spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The main building incorporates rustic openings to enhance natural light and ventilation.
02
Timber elements create a visual contrast with the existing Italian bricks.
03
Each guesthouse features circular windows for unique views of the landscape.
04
Preserved trees contribute to an intimate garden atmosphere.
05
The design emphasizes seamless indoor and outdoor connections for visitors.

The design is located in Umbria, central Italy, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. It involves the renovation of three abandoned buildings into a unified winery experience. The design takes inspiration from the local culture and landscape while ensuring that the existing structures are utilized to serve new purposes. This thoughtful approach seeks to enhance the natural beauty of the area and create a welcoming space for visitors interested in wine production and tasting.

Main Building Design

The main building stands as a two-level structure made from Italian bricks. It features a pitched roof and rustic openings, complemented by outdoor wood shutters that add texture to the façade. This building serves as the central hub for guest accommodations and communal areas, emphasizing both utility and respect for local architectural traditions. By retaining the essence of the original structure, the design reflects the region's historical context while integrating modern functionalities.

Secondary Building and Shelter

Nearby is a single-story building, which, despite its deteriorated state, continues the use of Italian bricks to maintain visual coherence. This structure supports the main facility by offering additional space for visitor services. The wooden shelter, crafted from local timber, plays a key role, providing areas for wine tasting and social gatherings. Its natural form contrasts with the solidity of the brick buildings, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages interaction with the surrounding environment.

Landscape Integration

Landscape design is an important aspect, with existing trees preserved to enhance the site's character. A lawn area extends without fences, promoting an open feel that invites exploration. This design allows for easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the visitor experience. Vistas of the vineyard and nearby hills are framed by thoughtful landscaping, strengthening the connection between the structures and their natural surroundings.

Guesthouse and Interior Experience

The updated guesthouses feature distinct geometric shapes and a carefully chosen color palette. Each unit includes circular windows and private terraces that look out onto the vineyards and landscape. This design ensures that visitors enjoy both comfort and views of the outdoors. Inside, the focus is on creating a calm atmosphere that encourages engagement with the winery's products. The designated wine-tasting area provides visitors with opportunities to appreciate local wines in a relaxing environment, connecting them to the region's traditions and craftsmanship.

The mix of various spaces showcases a design that honors historical aspects while addressing contemporary needs. With a clear focus on how architecture interacts with the landscape, the project offers a relatable experience that emphasizes the essence of winemaking in Umbria.

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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
competition now

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