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Stone Walls and Wooden Details Create a Sustainable Retreat in Nature

Author:
Ma constanza Musté
Stone Walls and Wooden Details Create a Sustainable Retreat in Nature

Project in-detail

Incorporating stone walls and wooden elements, the design creates a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with the natural landscape, offering a unique hospitality experience centered around local culinary traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates Kintsugi philosophy to celebrate imperfections in design.
02
Features rainwater harvesting systems for enhanced sustainability.
03
Utilizes locally sourced stone for perimeter walls, improving insulation.
04
Includes terraces designed for private interaction with the landscape.
05
Integrates solar energy to maximize natural light and efficiency.

Pezzo di Terra is situated in Spello, a charming town in the Province of Perugia, Italy. The design explores the connection between architecture and nature while respecting the historical context of the area. The concept is built around Kintsugi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfections. By blending traditional and modern architectural elements, the design creates functional spaces connected to the landscape and its surroundings.

Concept and Design Principles

The concept emphasizes harmony, union, and balance as guiding principles. Harmony is achieved by merging existing structural elements with modern designs, resulting in a unified appearance that aligns with Spello’s character. Union plays a role in integrating contemporary features with classic styles, facilitating a smooth transition between approaches. Balance is crucial, as the design takes into account how the building interacts with its natural environment, enhancing the relationship between the built space and the landscape.

Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

Sustainability is a prominent theme within the design approach. Strategies have been put in place to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Solar energy systems are incorporated to harness natural light, which reduces the overall consumption of non-renewable resources. The design also includes rainwater harvesting systems, allowing for better water management. These choices reflect an understanding of ecological responsibility and the importance of incorporating sustainable solutions in modern architecture.

Material Usage and Interior Layout

Materials selected for the project are essential for its aesthetics and performance. Stone is used for the perimeter walls, which provides durability and insulation. Wood appears throughout various architectural elements and furnishings, bringing warmth and a sense of coziness to the interior spaces. Concrete is employed strategically to improve light reflection, promoting bright and inviting interiors for occupants.

The layout invites connection while ensuring privacy. Visitors enter a spacious lobby that leads to communal areas meant for gathering. The restaurant design emphasizes interaction and provides views of food preparation alongside scenic vineyards. Guest rooms are thoughtfully arranged with large windows and terraces that maintain privacy while offering glimpses of the beautiful surroundings. This relationship between the building and nature creates a tranquil atmosphere for all who visit.

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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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