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Sunken Backyard Experience with Expansive Views in a Community Guest Home

Author:
Kaspar Lätt
Sunken Backyard Experience with Expansive Views in a Community Guest Home

Project in-detail

A sunken backyard enhances privacy while offering expansive views in a guest home designed to harmonize with the natural landscape of the Umbrian Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
A sunken backyard design provides enhanced privacy while maximizing views.
02
The unique orientation of the building highlights a prominent window wall for natural light.
03
Existing trees offer natural shade, creating comfortable outdoor gathering areas.
04
Incorporates a small grape plantation for hands-on visitor experiences.
05
Designed to promote a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Set in the Umbrian Valley, the design interacts closely with the surrounding landscape, characterized by majestic mountains. The overall design concept known as Panorama Montagna aims to create areas for both group gatherings and personal reflection. It addresses the challenge of privacy posed by a nearby access road while taking full advantage of the stunning views available. The project embodies a philosophy of relaxation and connection to nature, reflecting the values associated with Tili Vini products.

Concept Development

The concept focuses on balancing privacy with openness, allowing for an engaging experience of the landscape. Features include a strong commitment to natural light and the integration of environmental elements into the overall design. The layout encourages both social engagement and individual quiet time, catering to a wide range of user preferences.



Ground Floor Plan

The ground floor plan of Unit 1 is deliberately oriented to enhance the relationship between indoor spaces and the outdoors. A large window wall invites natural light into the interior, creating bright and airy living spaces. The entrance and bathroom are designed with elements that connect to the landscape, reinforcing the idea of flow between inside and outside. In this arrangement, the bed is positioned openly, offering an intimate connection to the stunning views outside.



Roof Design

In a unique design approach, the roof is detached from the interior, creating a landscape feature that delineates the guest home from the site. This design choice enhances feelings of privacy while creating a sunken backyard that allows for expansive views in every direction. The roof serves not only as shelter but also as an important part of the overall design language.



Guest Home Configuration

The configuration of the guest home is thoughtful in its design, creating both social spaces and areas for solitary retreat. Existing trees provide shade and comfort for outdoor settings, while a small grape plantation introduces a hands-on experience for visitors. This setup fosters a deeper relationship with the natural environment, encouraging guests to engage with the landscape in meaningful ways.

The project showcases a strong focus on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces while preserving privacy and tranquility. The attention to detail and the integration of natural elements enhance the overall experience, allowing for a genuine interaction with the beautiful surroundings.

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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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