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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Retreat in Portugal

Author:
Haodong Pan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Retreat in Portugal

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and locally sourced cross-laminated timber converge in a sustainable guest house designed to harmonize with its olive grove setting while providing a tranquil retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced weather resistance and natural insulation.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design encourages natural ventilation and maximizes interior space.
04
Meditative spaces integrate seamlessly with the surrounding olive grove landscape.
05
Community-focused areas promote social interaction while maintaining guest privacy.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Portugal Olive Guest House

### Overview
Located in Portugal's scenic landscape, the guest house prioritizes environmental integration and user experience. The design is centered around the olive tree and its lifecycle, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and local context. Key features include the thoughtful use of materials and an emphasis on connecting guests with nature, creating a serene environment for relaxation and social interaction.

### Spatial Organization and Design
The guest house is organized in a semi-circular layout that harmonizes with the surrounding vegetation and topography. Communal areas are characterized by an open plan that encourages social interaction, while private spaces such as guest rooms offer tranquility. Outdoor patios and terraces extend living areas, promoting a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The roof design, finished in terracotta, not only enhances the visual coherence of the structure but also addresses functional needs such as rainwater management and sun shading.

### Material Selection
The use of sustainable materials is central to the project's design ethos. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is employed for internal walls and flooring, while Glulam beams provide structural integrity. Cork, a renewable resource, serves as exterior cladding, offering thermal insulation. Large low-energy glass windows promote natural light and views, further connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape. Olive wood is utilized in furniture and design elements to emphasize local craftsmanship, while oak flooring adds durability and richness to the interiors.

### Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is embedded within the building's design and operational strategies. Key features include carbon sequestration through the lifecycle of timber, energy efficiency measures such as solar panels, and a commitment to a zero-waste design philosophy. The careful selection of reusable and recyclable materials aligns with environmental stewardship and enhances the building's overall sustainability profile.

The Portugal Olive Guest House exemplifies a holistic approach to design, prioritizing functionality, aesthetic appeal, and a deep respect for its natural surroundings.

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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
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