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Charred Wood Accents and Expansive Glass Integration in a Sustainable Olive Tasting Retreat

Author:
Jin woo Im
Charred Wood Accents and Expansive Glass Integration in a Sustainable Olive Tasting Retreat

Project in-detail

Charred wood accents juxtaposed with expansive glass panels create a seamless interplay between indoor comfort and the surrounding olive grove, all while providing a distinctive space for tasting local flavors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance and blend with the local landscape.
02
Expansive glass panels offer panoramic views of the olive grove while maximizing natural light.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability with a reduced carbon footprint.
04
A bent A-frame design creates unique interior volumes and optimizes spatial flow.
05
Dedicated tasting areas are strategically placed to foster connections between guests and nature.

## Overview
The Olive Tasting Guest House is positioned to enhance the relationship between guests and the surrounding natural environment while serving the dual function of accommodation and olive tasting. Located within a landscape significant to olive cultivation, the design emphasizes both experiential engagement and spatial organization.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout is organized across two levels, with distinct areas designated for guest accommodation and communal activities. Public spaces, including an open-plan living area, kitchen, and dedicated olive tasting room, are situated on the first floor to facilitate social interaction. Guest rooms, thoughtfully positioned for optimal views and outdoor access, are located on the second floor. The circulation strategy ensures unobstructed movement between spaces, promoting ease of access without compromising privacy.

### Materiality and Environmental Design
The material selection reflects both aesthetic and functional priorities. A combination of concrete for structural integrity, large glass panels for transparency and light, and wood accents for warmth is utilized throughout the project. Additionally, environmental considerations have been integrated; skylights and wide openings optimize natural lighting, while natural ventilation systems enhance indoor climate control. The inclusion of courtyards further supports biodiversity and connects the building to its landscape, promoting a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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