11.05.2026 – Competition Results
The competition invited architects and designers to envision a new model of rural hospitality set within the striking agricultural landscape at the foothills of Mount Etna. The competition challenged participants to design two prototype suite modules as part of a coherent architectural system, capable of defining a recognizable and adaptable identity across different contexts. At the heart of the proposal was the creation of an Architectural Brandbook, a set of guidelines translating the vision of Openair Suites into spatial and architectural language. The selected site, La Fucina di Vulcano, served as a testing ground for lightweight and reversible interventions that could integrate seamlessly with the existing environment, offering comfort, intimacy and a strong connection to nature. More broadly, the competition explored how small-scale architecture can foster slow, immersive and experience-driven forms of hospitality.
The awarded proposals were recognized for their ability to merge architectural innovation with a deep sensitivity to landscape and context. The jury praised projects that used the volcanic terrain as a generative force, shaping layouts and spatial experiences that feel both organic and coherent. Particular appreciation was given to designs that achieved a refined continuity between interior and exterior, carefully orchestrating light, views and privacy to enhance the quality of the stay. Other proposals stood out for their social dimension, envisioning shared spaces that encourage interaction and exchange between guests and local communities. The thoughtful integration of materials, colors and forms rooted in the Sicilian environment, combined with well-designed communal areas, further reinforced the sense of belonging and identity across the proposals.
Terraviva warmly congratulates all participants for their creativity and dedication, whose proposals have contributed to redefining rural hospitality through architecture that is sensitive, immersive and deeply connected to place.
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3rd PRIZE
Basalto
Livia Tilli, Qiongqiong Wu Wu, Cristina Chenxi Pan Liu [Italy – Spain]
Golden Mentions
(ordered by registration code)
Living Modules
Ugur Ozer Ozguven, Ergi Bozyigit, Sevgi Bodur, Ozden Yalnizgul, Turac Sarikamis [Turkey]
Honorable Mentions
(ordered by registration code)
THE MULTI-FRAME
Duy Le Nguyen Khanh, Trang Nguyen Minh, Loc Tran Hung, Mai Le Xuan, Thanh Nguyen Ngoc Tri [Vietnam]
Finalists
(ordered by registration code)
Buongiorno world
Tomas Stievani, Sebastian Valeriano, Matias Cristaldo, Lautaro Rodiño, Matias Anze [Argentina]
Veraison
Luci Pins, Hannah Harrison, Kiely Peguero, Nicole Negroni, Janvi Vora, Madison McAteer, Thomas Lund[United States]
Inhabit the myth
Lorenzo Musolino, Gianmarco Spadaro, Lidia Gitto, Manuel Todaro [Italy]
OPENAIR SUITS – A Rural Retreat at the Foot of Mount Etna
Irem Hancioglu, Zehra Pınar Okur [Turkey]
Etnìa – Visioni di Sicilia
Marco D’Ottavi, Marcella Zeppa, Teona Kuljanishvili, Chiara Trebbi [Italy – Georgia]
OPEN AIR SUITES – ETNA
Joaquin Ramos, Aldara Montero, Alejandro Fernandez, Adrian Pastoriza, Anton Vazquez [Ecuador]
Leave No Trace
Claudio Grasso, Andrea Garozzo, Federica Miranda, Giuseppe Maria Antonio Miranda, Marie Louise Snedstrup Christensen [Italy – Denmark]
Viridia
Michele Scacciante, Daniele Calderoni, Vincenzo Consoli, Golshan Farzi, Salvatore Gazzo, Veronica Guardo, Teresa Margio, Melody Petralia, Claudia Testa, Lorenzo Trefiletti [Italy- Iran – Bulgary]
Featured Projects
(ordered by request date)
While not all projects make it to the final stage, we believe many still deserve to be featured! That’s why we decided to create this special section to promote the most innovative designs and emerging talents from our global community.
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