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Central Courtyard Embracing Natural Light Through Wood Cladding and Concrete Structure

Author:
Jeong Su Hong
Central Courtyard Embracing Natural Light Through Wood Cladding and Concrete Structure
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A central olive tree provides a natural focal point within a spacious courtyard, where wood cladding and concrete interplay to create a residence that balances community living with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central olive tree acts as a living element within the home's courtyard.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels promotes structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
04
Large sliding glass doors facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.

## Overview
The Olive House is situated in a Mediterranean climate characterized by nutrient-rich ecosystems conducive to olive cultivation. The residence is designed with the intent of promoting a harmonious relationship between its living spaces and the natural environment. With an emphasis on integrating the indoors with the outdoors, the project represents the interplay between architectural form and ecological context.

### Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes interconnectedness and flow among spaces, forming a dynamic environment that encourages interaction. Central to this strategy is a core area that serves as a connector between various functional zones, enhancing the user experience. By incorporating elements such as breezeways for natural ventilation and open-plan living arrangements, the layout facilitates both privacy and communal interaction. Distinct gathering areas promote social connectivity while embracing the surrounding landscape, with strategically placed terraces that extend the habitation into nature.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainable building practices is reflected in the careful selection of materials throughout the Olive House. Concrete is utilized for structural integrity, while wood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal to various elements, including cladding and furniture. Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and provides unobstructed views of the external environment. Additionally, durable ceramic tiles are employed for flooring to achieve a modern, low-maintenance appearance. The cohesive choice of materials not only enhances the building's functionality but also aligns with its ecological focus, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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