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Clay and Glass Integration Amidst Native Landscapes for Sustainable Guest Accommodation

Author:
Cody Loeffen
Clay and Glass Integration Amidst Native Landscapes for Sustainable Guest Accommodation

Project in-detail

Incorporating clay bricks with expansive glass elements, the design seamlessly integrates into the native landscape while providing a sustainable guest accommodation that embraces local agricultural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates clay bricks as the primary structural material for thermal efficiency.
02
Features large glass openings that create visual connections with the surrounding olive landscape.
03
Utilizes a tiered layout to maximize views and natural light throughout the building.
04
Includes a communal outdoor area designed around existing olive trees for social gatherings.
05
Integrates native plant landscaping to enhance ecological sustainability and local identity.

The Olive Guest House project located in the Barreira region of Portugal is a thoughtful architectural design that emphasizes harmony with the surrounding landscape marked by the cultivation of olives. The project serves as both a guest accommodation and a space for experiencing local agricultural traditions. With a carefully considered layout, the guest house integrates various functional spaces within a framework that respects the natural environment and cultural history of the site.

The main structure of the guest house is articulated to create a dialogue with the olive trees that populate the landscape. The design employs a tiered arrangement, allowing each area to offer unobstructed visual access to the surrounding scenery while maximizing natural light exposure. Incorporating a variety of zones, the building achieves distinct atmospheres conducive to both community engagement and individual relaxation.

Integrating Natural Aesthetics and Sustainability

One of the defining features of the Olive Guest House is its emphasis on sustainability through the careful selection of materials and design strategies. Clay bricks constitute the primary construction material, providing thermal insulation and blending seamlessly with the earthy tones of the local landscape. Large glass openings facilitate natural ventilation and daylight while creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In addition to standard guest accommodations, the project includes communal areas intended for social interaction and cultural experiences. The active zone features outdoor seating arrangements and fire pits designed around existing olive trees, establishing a connection to local agricultural practices. The quiet zone allows for a more introspective environment featuring meditation spaces and reading corners among native landscaping, which reinforces ecological sensitivity.

Functional Layouts and User Experience

The Olive Guest House has been meticulously designed to accommodate various functions. Key components of the layout include a multipurpose room for olive and wine tasting, two accommodation suites with en-suite facilities, a communal kitchen, and dining areas. Each suite is designed with natural materials, ensuring warmth and comfort for guests while allowing privacy.

The pathways connecting different areas foster easy movement and exploration. By dividing the guest house into active and quiet spaces, the design supports a wide range of visitor activities. This split also illustrates a unique design approach by creating a clear and purposeful organization within the architectural framework, allowing guests to choose between engagement and solace depending on their personal needs.

The Olive Guest House stands out not only for its architectural merit but also for its commitment to integrating community-oriented functions with a deep respect for nature. This design approach ensures visitors gain a meaningful understanding of the local culture while being immersed in the landscape’s beauty.

For further details on the project, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements, it is encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Olive Guest House to gain deeper insights into its architectural concepts and unique design ideas.

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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.

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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

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