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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Central Courtyard in a Sustainable Guest Residence

Authors:
Seyedehsolmaz Rastjoo, Sanaz Amiri, Farzaneh Fadaei
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Central Courtyard in a Sustainable Guest Residence

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and a focus on passive ventilation, the design centers around a nurturing courtyard that enhances the guest experience in a thoughtfully crafted residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
03
A central courtyard creates a shared space that fosters community interaction.
04
Passive ventilation design optimizes natural airflow and energy efficiency.
05
The bent A-frame structure contributes to unique spatial dynamics and visual interest.

### Project Overview

The Verde Olive Guest Home is situated in Portugal, designed to redefine the conventional guest house experience by creating a welcoming environment that emphasizes spatial continuity and an engagement with the natural landscape. The design focuses on functionality interconnected with aesthetic qualities, providing a modern solution for guest accommodations while fostering a deep connection to the surrounding context.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout prioritizes a central courtyard, acting as the focal point of the structure where communal and private spaces coexist. The arrangement includes a reception area, dining room with kitchen, living area, tasting room, private gardens, family museum, meditation space, and pool with sauna. This configuration encourages ease of movement and interaction among guests, catering to their various needs while promoting comfort and practicality. The integration of spaces such as the tasting room highlights a nuanced understanding of guest preferences and activities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability, promoting a relationship with the local environment. Key materials utilized in the construction include cladding wood for its aesthetic appeal, wooden support structures for stability, expansive glass for natural light and views, and stone elements for outdoor functionality. The incorporation of solar panels demonstrates an effort to harness renewable energy, while waterproofing membranes address moisture control. This thoughtful selection ensures that the design remains practical and environmentally responsible throughout its lifespan.

### Architectural Elements and User Experience

Unique architectural features of the Verde Olive Guest Home include the outdoor courtyard, designed to integrate seamlessly with the living experience. It offers an environment that invites outdoor engagement year-round. Passive ventilation techniques are employed to enhance indoor climate regulation, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. The inclined roof design not only facilitates natural airflow but also contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Internally, the space is enriched by natural materials, including wood and stone, fostering a cohesive aesthetic between indoor and outdoor environments. An open-plan layout is intentional in encouraging social interaction, while individual bedrooms maintain privacy with en-suite facilities. Strategic window placements optimize natural lighting, enhancing the living experience by inviting the surrounding nature into daily life.

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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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