Призовой фонд – 25 000 €, из них 22 000 € – денежные призы, 3 000 € – специальные упоминания. Победителя ждет реализация проекта. Финалисты и отмеченные команды получат публикации и купоны Terraviva.
жюри:
GIANCARLO MAZZANTI, El Equipo Mazzanti [Bogotá, Colombia]
Участникам предлагается реконструировать имение (подере) Санта-Маргерита, расположенное среди холмов Тосканы недалеко от Флоренции. Организаторы ждут проекты, сочетающие уважение к историческому контексту с вниманием к современным образу жизни и архитектурной практике, а также теме экологичности. Новая функция комплекса – роскошная резиденция для владельца на несколько недель в году и премиальный центр «устойчивого туризма» в остальное время. Возможны как архитектурные, так и ландшафтные дополнения к существующим сооружениям, включая добавление новых объемов.
Конкурс пройдет в два тура. Победителя ждет реализация его проекта.
The aim of this intriguing competition, structured in two phases, is to achieve the full restoration of the long-abandoned Podere Santa Margherita, nestled in the heart of the Chianti region within the Municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle (Florence).
Dating back to the mid-19th century, the estate features a remarkable example of Casa Leopoldina: a traditional farmhouse typology predominantly found in Val di Chiana. Despite its historical and architectural value, the complex has inexplicably remained uninhabited for decades.
The two buildings sit atop a picturesque hill surrounded by olive trees and over three hectares of stunning vineyards.
The Manor House is organised over two levels, connected by a central staircase. The ground floor historically served a range of functions tied to rural life, while the upper level housed the family’s living quarters.
Although some inevitable alterations have taken place over time - such as the closure of some windows - the main facade remains relatively well preserved. Dominated by the central volume rising above the traditional terracotta-tiled roof, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
In contrast, the rear façade has suffered greater compromise, partly due to the addition of low-quality extensions built during the mid-20th century. Located just behind we find the second structure, known as The Rustico. Designed as a vital support building for the estate’s agricultural operations, it extends only on the ground floor. The original structure, built in stone, features large arched openings that connect directly with the outdoors.
A brick addition located at the end of one side, dating around 1960, reflects a later expansion phase. Together, the buildings comprise a total commercial surface of 750 square meters: 150 m² attributed to The Rustico and the remaining 600 m² to The Manor House.
The Competition
Marked by the passage of time and decay, this outstanding complex now calls for a thoughtful and innovative revival: one that can honor its historical legacy while breathing new life into its enduring architectural soul.
There are many reasons why a heritage of this kind should be rehabilitated: the secular history of its agricultural tradition, the unique typology and the precarious conditions of its buildings are just a few examples.
The current state of Tuscan ruin certainly gives Podere Santa Margherita a special appeal. Therefore, the biggest challenge will be to understand what type of interventions would be able to give a new meaning to the original constructions without affecting their authenticity.
"Florence Hills" competition aims to transform this unique complex into a contemporary luxury residence, inhabited by the owner family for a few weeks and rented out to other high-spending guests during the rest of the year.
The residential-hospitality programmatic mix should not be confused with a standard bed and breakfast: the rental will not concern individual rooms for a few days to different guests, but the entire property for minimum periods of at least one week.
The proximity to renowned art cities like Siena and Florence, combined with the strategic position within the Chianti wine county, make Podere Santa Margherita the ideal candidate for this virtuous transformation process.
The real estate and heritage recovery purposes are in this specific case free of any type of conflict and are intended to ensure the successful rebirth of the abandoned complex.
Conservation will require special attention to detail and a particular sensitivity to determine which elements to preserve and which not. At the same time, a contemporary vision, appropriate to today’s way of life, will be fundamental in the definition of the design concept. Which project decisions would you make to ensure the successful rebirth of the decaying estate?
This contest is oriented towards the executive phase of the winning project, aiming to define new ways of living in the Tuscan countryside through the adaptive reuse of traditional constructions.
The competition is conceived in 2 Phases:
• Phase 1 will focus on the collection of preliminary proposals with the aim of identifying the finalist teams;
• Phase 2 will see the 5 best projects compete for the 1st Prize, further deepening the level of detail of their respective proposals.