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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Guest Experience in Olive Cultivation

Authors:
Pavle Đukić, Tina Dobrosavljević, Đorđe Barbul, Borko Erić
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Guest Experience in Olive Cultivation

Project in-detail

Emphasizing the use of charred wooden shingles and locally sourced natural stone, the guest house intertwines modern design with the region's olive cultivation traditions, creating a serene space for visitors to connect with both nature and culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing fire resistance and a unique texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
An innovative bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light penetration and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
The layout includes communal spaces that encourage interaction among guests, fostering a sense of community.
05
Landscaping seamlessly integrates with the olive grove, reinforcing the connection between the architecture and its agricultural context.
The Olive Oil Guest House represents an architectural project that seamlessly marries contemporary design with the rich traditions of olive cultivation. Located within an olive plantation, this guest house serves not only as a place for visitors to stay but also as a space where they can immerse themselves in the cultural and agricultural context of the region. The project emphasizes a harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape, fostering a sense of community among guests while honoring the local heritage.

This guest house is meticulously designed to cater to both private and communal needs. The layout consists of multiple buildings that include individual accommodations as well as shared spaces. Buildings 1 and 2 are dedicated to guest bedrooms, each offering a serene atmosphere tailored for relaxation. Building 3 combines residential and communal functions, featuring additional bedrooms alongside dining and kitchen areas that encourage social interaction. Buildings 4 and 5 serve as collective living spaces, thoughtfully arranged to promote engagement among residents and visitors.

A critical design feature of the Olive Oil Guest House is its atrium, which provides a central hub for natural light and fresh air. This open space creates a visual and physical connection between the indoors and outdoors, allowing guests to engage with the beautiful landscape that surrounds them. The careful placement of buildings around this atrium not only optimizes access to light and views but also encourages meaningful interactions among guests.

The materiality in this architectural project is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the local environment. Natural stone is the predominant façade material, grounding the structures within the olive grove and embodying a sense of permanence and stability. Wood is featured prominently throughout the interiors, contributing warmth and a tactile quality, while large glass openings invite the landscape inside and frame the views. Concrete is utilized where necessary for durability and utility, ensuring that each space remains functional over time.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in how communal and private areas are integrated. The guest house is intentionally designed to facilitate a sense of belonging and collective experience. Outdoor spaces, such as areas for tasting olive oil or relaxing in the garden, enhance the overall guest experience while fostering an appreciation for the region’s agricultural practices. The building orientation and landscaping are planned to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging guests to move easily between these spaces.

The Olive Oil Guest House stands out for its ability to offer a retreat that is both tranquil and stimulating. It allows visitors to engage with olive oil production and partake in the local culture while providing a comfortable living environment that meets modern needs. The combination of residential comfort and agricultural identity makes this project an exemplar of thoughtful design that seeks to enrich the visitor experience in a culturally significant setting.

For those interested in architecture and design, exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Olive Oil Guest House will provide deeper insights into its unique architectural ideas and spatial organization. This project serves as an exploration of how architecture can honor and enhance the connections between humanity and the environment, making it a worthwhile subject for any enthusiast of thoughtful design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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