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Terracotta Pipes and Green Views in a Vineyard Guesthouse

Authors:
Aleksandra Majkanovic, Anja Bezjak, Omar Saif el din
Terracotta Pipes and Green Views in a Vineyard Guesthouse

Project in-detail

Constructed with terracotta pipes for natural cooling and designed to blend seamlessly with vineyard views, the guesthouse offers a balance of shared and private spaces for an immersive retreat experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Guest houses are designed with both semi-private and fully private options to accommodate different guest needs.
02
Terracotta pipes serve as a natural cooling system, enhancing environmental efficiency.
03
The swimming pool acts as a central connector between the main building and guest houses.
04
Open space layouts in the interiors allow for flexible use while maximizing light.
05
The preserved existing building functions as a focal point for communal wine tasting experiences.

The SIP & STAY project is located in a vineyard setting, designed to provide guests with a comfortable and engaging experience in nature. It features various types of guest houses that cater to different needs, promoting both privacy and social interaction. The overall design focuses on sustainability, flexibility in accommodation, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Guest House Configuration

The layout includes two semi-private houses that are connected by a common terrace. This arrangement allows two familiar couples to spend time together while still having their own space. For couples seeking peace and quiet, there is a completely private house. Additionally, there is a larger family house that can accommodate groups, featuring separate bedrooms and a shared living area. This thoughtful approach balances communal and personal experiences.

Integration with Nature

The design places importance on outdoor spaces, encouraging guests to connect with the natural surroundings. Multiple leisure areas blend the built environment with the landscape. The visual link to the vineyards is preserved, inviting guests to explore the agricultural environment. A prominent existing building serves as the central hub for communal wine-tasting activities. Positioned strategically, the swimming pool serves to connect the main building with the guest houses, enhancing the shared outdoor experience.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is a key feature of the design, with systems in place to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The project uses a heat pump along with solar collectors for heating and hot water, promoting self-sufficiency. Photovoltaic systems installed on the roofs generate solar energy to meet the electricity needs of the complex. A rainwater harvesting system captures and stores rainwater for irrigation and sanitation, emphasizing an environmentally friendly approach.

Innovative Design Features

Notable in the design is the incorporation of terracotta pipes that function as a natural cooling system through evaporation. This element not only provides temperature control but also acts as a visual barrier at the entrance. This approach combines practicality and aesthetics, reflecting a dedication to creating a living environment that respects both modern needs and traditional influences.

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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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