Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.

The Olive Tasting Guest House is an architectural project designed to create a harmonious relationship between guests and the surrounding natural environment. Located in a scenic area known for olive cultivation, this guest house serves the dual purpose of providing accommodation and facilitating an olive tasting experience. The design emphasizes functionality while fostering an immersive connection with nature, revealing a thoughtful approach that reflects the local cultural context.

The architecture showcases a modern aesthetic, drawing upon natural materials to blend with the landscape. The guest house is structured across two levels, with distinct spaces for communal and private activities. The first floor features an open-plan living area, kitchen, and dedicated olive tasting space, promoting interaction among guests. On the second floor, guest rooms are accessed through wide corridors, enhancing the overall flow of movement within the building.

The unique design approaches distinguish this project from numerous others within the hospitality sector. Incorporation of courtyards encourages biodiversity and provides outdoor gathering spaces, while strategic placement of vertical openings allows for abundant natural light and ventilation. Skylights enhance the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, reinforcing the overall feeling of spaciousness within the structure.

The careful selection of materials contributes significantly to the guest house's architectural identity. Concrete provides structural durability, while large glass panels create transparency and unobstructed views of the olive grove. Wood accents add warmth to the interior, blending seamlessly with the more industrial elements like steel supports and railings. This interplay of materials results in an architectural composition that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

For those interested in exploring the details further, investigating architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural designs can provide a deeper understanding of the creative ideas behind the Olive Tasting Guest House.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy