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Breatheable Clay Bricks and Terracotta Roofs Elevate Sustainable Olive Oil Production Space

Author:
Sophie Hamer
Breatheable Clay Bricks and Terracotta Roofs Elevate Sustainable Olive Oil Production Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating breatheable clay bricks and terracotta roofing, the design enhances the olive oil production experience while providing a functional guesthouse that fosters community engagement and appreciation for local agriculture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Breatheable clay bricks promote natural ventilation and enhance indoor air quality.
02
Terracotta roofing provides thermal regulation, aligning with local architectural styles.
03
The communal guesthouse features a dedicated olive oil tasting room for immersive experiences.
04
The layout seamlessly integrates private and public spaces to foster community interaction.
05
Strategic use of glass connects interior spaces with the surrounding olive groves.

### Project Overview
Olive Oil House is situated in Portugal, reflecting a contemporary architectural design that harmonizes modernist principles with local vernacular elements. Comprising two separate volumes, the structure frames a narrow corridor that encourages exploration. While the exterior presents a modest facade, the interior is characterized by a complex layout that offers a rich interplay of public and private spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The design incorporates diverse materials that establish a connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. Terracotta roofing aligns with local traditions, providing energy-efficient insulation. Reinforced concrete serves as the structural backbone, enabling a bold design approach. Strategic glass placements enhance natural light, fostering a visual link to the adjacent olive groves. Wood is utilized in joinery and finishes to convey warmth and a tactile connection, while breathable clay bricks improve indoor climate comfort through effective air circulation.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The interior layout is meticulously arranged to enhance user experience. Private guest quarters are designed for intimacy and comfort, contrasting with the communal olive oil tasting room, which promotes engagement and appreciation of local cultural practices. Dining and kitchen areas are optimized for both personal and social gatherings, facilitating a sense of community within the residence. The configuration of these spaces reflects a delicate balance between privacy and collective interaction, addressing the needs of contemporary living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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