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Biomorphic Design in Local Stone and Terracotta for Agritourism Experience

Authors:
Libby Pelzel, Luis Guevara, Rachel North, Ellis Hudson
Biomorphic Design in Local Stone and Terracotta for Agritourism Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing biomorphic design principles and local stone alongside terracotta, the structures create an immersive agritourism hub that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding olive groves and local heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biomorphic design mimics the form of an olive branch, enhancing spatial flow.
02
Constructed using locally sourced stone for durability and context relevance.
03
Integrated rainwater collection systems support sustainable water management.
04
Courtyards designed as key gathering spaces encourage community interaction.
05
Terracotta roofing reflects traditional architectural practices of the region.

### Concept Overview

The Brucatura project is situated in the Serra d'Aire e Candeeiros region, an area known for its rolling landscapes and historical olive groves. This design reflects a commitment to honoring the local environment and the cultural significance of olive oil production, which is deeply embedded in the identity of the region. The term "Brucatura," referring to the olive harvest, reinforces the project's thematic focus on the relationship between architecture, nature, and community.

### Spatial Organization

The design incorporates a biomorphic approach, echoing the form of an olive branch. The layout features staggered volumes that cascade down the hillside, allowing structures to blend naturally with the topography. The circulation pattern, resembling the trunk of an olive branch with "olive nodes" extending to distinct programmatic areas, facilitates both movement and engagement with the landscape. Courtyards framed by individual olive trees create intimate spaces that enrich the visitor experience while promoting social interaction.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A carefully selected material palette reflects the local heritage and prioritizes sustainability. Natural stone is employed for walls and landscaping, ensuring a connection to the earth, while terracotta tiles on the roofs honor traditional building methods and enhance thermal comfort. Locally sourced woods, including oak, feature prominently in window shutters and interior finishes, contributing warmth and texture. Stained concrete is used for structural elements and outdoor spaces, establishing a link between the built environment and the region's olive groves. Additionally, the integration of water cisterns for rainwater collection exemplifies a proactive approach to resource management, emphasizing the project’s sustainable ethos.

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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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