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Underground Lodging with Panoramic Windows and Natural Stone Elements

Authors:
Lina Skerlj, Emanuela Starc
Underground Lodging with Panoramic Windows and Natural Stone Elements
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With underground lodging designed around panoramic windows and local stone, the getaway offers an immersive experience in the heart of a wine-growing region, merging relaxation with nature's essence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Underground sleeping areas enhance privacy and minimize visual impact.
02
Panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding vineyards.
03
Natural swimming pool serves as a central communal gathering space.
04
Landscaping incorporates local plants and vines for an immersive experience.
05
Use of local stone and wood reflects traditional Umbrian craftsmanship.

Lapis Vinea is located in a scenic wine-growing region, surrounded by vineyards and fertile land. The design focuses on creating a getaway that blends with the natural landscape while honoring local traditions. With an emphasis on privacy and community, the setup is crafted to enhance the experience of both individuals and groups.

Materials and Craftsmanship
-
Local materials are central to the design, particularly stone and wood, both of which are traditional in the Umbrian area. These materials help root the structure in its environment while connecting it to the region's agrarian history. The choice of materials is deliberate, showcasing craftsmanship that respects time-honored building practices.

Architectural Layout
-
The existing house has been preserved, providing a degustation and dining space that reflects the site's history and reduces costs. Guest accommodations are placed underground, allowing them to remain discreet within the landscape. This choice enhances guest privacy and minimizes the visual effects on the surroundings, creating a peaceful environment that invites relaxation.

Spatial Experience
-
Panoramic windows are a key feature in the guest areas, allowing plenty of natural light inside and offering clear views of the vineyards. This design element strengthens the connection between indoor spaces and the outside world, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Central to the layout is a natural swimming pool, supported by various seating areas and a stone fire pit, which encourage guests to gather and interact.

Landscaping and Interaction
-
Landscaping incorporates local plants and vines, which highlights the agricultural identity of the site and lets guests interact more closely with the environment. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also enriches the overall guest experience, making it a journey from vine to wine. The design carefully balances built structures with natural elements, celebrating the true essence of the region.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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