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Terracotta and Reclaimed Brick Building Blending with Vineyards for Sustainable Tasting Experience

Authors:
Chris Johnson, Anastasia Lavrova
Terracotta and Reclaimed Brick Building Blending with Vineyards for Sustainable Tasting Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing terracotta and reclaimed brickwork, the design integrates into the Perugia Valley’s landscape, enhancing the guest experience with sustainable winemaking and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a mix of terracotta and recycled brickwork to enhance sustainability.
02
Offers an outdoor bistro that fosters communal dining and social interaction.
03
Incorporates extensive bio-diverse roofing to support local ecosystems.
04
Each guest house features private corridors for enhanced privacy and comfort.
05
Terraced design allows for unobstructed vineyard views from multiple areas.

The Winery Retreat, located in the Province of the Perugia Valley, Italy, combines architectural design with the local agricultural landscape, creating a destination focused on winemaking. The facility serves multiple functions, allowing visitors to explore the process of making wine while enjoying their surroundings. The design aims to promote sustainability and provides an engaging experience for guests, highlighting the connection between built environments and nature.

Architecture and Layout

The design emphasizes flexibility, accommodating various activities that cater to both individuals and groups. The carefully arranged layout maximizes the use of space and supports operations throughout the year. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a main building characterized by a modern take on post-agricultural architecture, which offers sweeping views of the valley and blends organically into the environment.

Outdoor Amenities

Several outdoor features enhance the visitor experience, such as a swimming pool shielded by natural grasses. This area allows visitors to relax while enjoying the scenic vineyard views. The outdoor bistro acts as a gathering space, designed to foster social connections among guests. In addition, the guest houses are thoughtfully placed for privacy and accessed through private corridors, with lamella shading to enhance comfort and views at the same time.

Sustainable Practices and Materials

Attention to sustainability is evident throughout the project, with the use of both new and reclaimed materials. Key elements include terracotta pink stained clay render, light stained wood trusses, and recycled brickwork, all of which contribute to a cohesive aesthetic that honors the agricultural heritage of the region. Permeable surfaces are also employed to manage water effectively, while the extensive bio-diverse roofing supports local ecosystems, reflecting a responsible approach to land use.

Design Details

Inside the guest houses, spaces are designed for comfort while promoting a modern atmosphere, emphasizing natural light and open layouts. A notable feature is the upper-level terrace, which provides an inviting area for dining outdoors under the night sky, encouraging guests to enjoy the natural surroundings. This arrangement not only improves the visual appeal but also enhances the tranquil atmosphere, ensuring that the design aligns with the serene landscape of the Perugia Valley.

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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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