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Ventilated Spaces Emphasizing Glulam Beams and Cork Embedding in a Vineyard Setting

Authors:
Francesco maria Fratini, Marco Padovani
Ventilated Spaces Emphasizing Glulam Beams and Cork Embedding in a Vineyard Setting

Project in-detail

With a focus on sustainability, the design incorporates glulam beams and natural cork elements to create inviting communal spaces that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding vineyard, serving as a versatile venue for gatherings and educational experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure that enhances aerodynamics and natural ventilation.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for their aesthetic appeal and fire resistance, contributing to durability.
03
A significant emphasis on transparency is achieved through expansive glass elements that frame vineyard views.
04
Natural cork is integrated into insulation features, promoting sustainability while enhancing acoustics.
05
Communal areas are purposefully designed to foster interactions, with flexible spaces for various gatherings and events.
The project presents a meticulously crafted architectural design that harmonizes functionality with its natural surroundings, situated within a beautiful vineyard landscape. This building serves as a multifunctional space aimed at fostering community interactions while allowing visitors to appreciate the serene agricultural context. The design embodies a commitment to ecological sensitivity, evident in both its material choices and spatial organization.

At its core, this project represents a blending of contemporary architectural strategies with traditional rural sensibilities. The building’s primary function is to serve as a venue for social gatherings, celebrations, and communal meals, while also functioning as an educational space that highlights the vineyard's rich agricultural heritage. The approach to design acknowledges the importance of these social interactions by creating open, fluid spaces that encourage collaboration and connection among residents and visitors alike.

The design features a large communal dining hall that is characterized by long tables designed to inspire conversations and shared experiences. This central area is flooded with natural light, courtesy of expansive glass openings that provide unobstructed views of the vineyard. The use of glass not only maintains visual transparency but also reinforces the relationship between the interior and exterior, allowing the landscape to become an integral part of the experience.

A noteworthy aspect of the project is its overhanging roof, which extends to create shaded terraces. These outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to offer respite from the sun while enhancing the functionality of the space. The roof’s design is not merely aesthetic; it plays a practical role in controlling solar gain and rainwater runoff, showcasing a consideration for environmental dynamics.

Landscaped pathways connect various parts of the building to the vineyard, inviting visitors to explore their surroundings passionately. The pathways serve both functional and experiential purposes, guiding people through the landscape and enriching their connection to the site. This design choice aligns with the project’s objective of encouraging an interactive experience with nature, promoting an appreciation for the natural beauty that envelops the building.

The interior design emphasizes materiality, featuring a carefully selected palette that includes reinforced concrete, glulam beams, cork, glass, and ceramic tiles. Each of these materials has been chosen for its local relevance, sustainability, and contribution to the architectural narrative. The glulam beams lend structural integrity while offering warmth and an organic feel to the space, demonstrating a modern yet respectful interpretation of traditional building materials. The use of cork and ceramic tiles provides not only aesthetic appeal but also functional benefits, such as thermal insulation and durability.

One of the project’s defining features is its innovative approach to natural ventilation. The incorporation of a ventilation chamber facilitates the circulation of fresh air, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and thus promoting energy efficiency. This aspect of the design aligns with current architectural strategies aiming to create sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings without compromising occupant comfort.

The project’s unique design approaches, characterized by its emphasis on community engagement, environmental harmony, and innovative material usage, mark it as a significant contribution to the architectural discourse. By seamlessly integrating with its vineyard setting, the building not only offers a space for communal activities but also acts as a bridge between architecture and the landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the local culture and ecology.

For further insights into the architecture of this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. Engaging with these detailed elements will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas and approaches that define this exemplary work.
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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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