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Sustainable Sandstone Retreat Featuring Timber Accents and Communal Wine Experiences

Author:
Jaqueline Symalla
Sustainable Sandstone Retreat Featuring Timber Accents and Communal Wine Experiences

Project in-detail

Combining local sandstone and timber accents, the design creates a seamless connection with its Umbria setting, offering a sustainable guest house that promotes communal wine experiences and appreciation of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Local sandstone sourced from nearby quarries forms the primary façade, ensuring a strong connection to the regional identity.
02
Timber accents include exposed beams and large cross-laminated timber panels that enhance structural stability and aesthetic warmth.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure, optimizing interior space while creating dynamic rooflines and open vistas.
04
Communal spaces, such as a dedicated wine-tasting area, foster interaction among guests and encourage cultural engagement.
05
Extensive use of native landscaping and olive trees integrated into the grounds enhances the environmental sensitivity of the site.
The Tily Wine Italian Guest House is an architectural project situated in Umbria, Italy, designed to offer a unique hospitality experience that emphasizes regional wine culture. The project serves multiple functions: a guest accommodation, a social gathering space, and an educational platform for visitors interested in Italian oenology. By integrating local materials and traditional design elements, the guest house presents a respectful nod to the historical context of the region while catering to modern expectations of comfort and convenience.

The architecture of the Tily Wine Italian Guest House utilizes local sandstone for its façade, connecting the structure visually and materially to the surrounding landscape. A combination of wood and glass elements creates a harmonious balance between robust natural materials and transparent surfaces, allowing abundant natural light into the interior. The use of limestone further emphasizes the local context while enhancing the building's durability.

Unique to this project is the incorporation of communal spaces that facilitate social interaction among guests. Elements like the entrance patio and loggia provide areas for relaxation and social engagement, reflecting traditional Italian lifestyle values. Moreover, the guest rooms are designed with private balconies or gardens, ensuring a balance between communal activity and private retreat. This thoughtful layout enhances the overall guest experience by offering both communal and intimate settings.

The Tily Wine Guest House also emphasizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials, minimizing environmental impact and promoting regional craftsmanship. The architectural design includes features such as large glass panels that offer panoramic views of the landscape, fostering a strong connection between the interior and exterior. The integration of natural landscaping with olive trees and native vegetation further enriches this relationship.

To understand the architectural intent fully, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the spatial organization and material choices of the Tily Wine Italian Guest House. These elements are critical for grasping the architectural ideas that underpin this project and its approach to delivering a cohesive experience in a culturally rich environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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