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Curvilinear Form and Natural Light Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Wood Accents in Sustainable Guest House Design

Author:
Jiyoon Choi
Curvilinear Form and Natural Light Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Wood Accents in Sustainable Guest House Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing curvilinear forms and textured concrete with abundant natural wood accents, the design creates a harmonious synergy between indoor and outdoor spaces in a sustainable guest house.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Features expansive glass walls that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Incorporates a green roof to promote biodiversity and improve thermal efficiency.
04
Employs a curvilinear structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Integrates communal outdoor areas designed to enhance guest interaction and relaxation.
The Olive Guest House, located in the picturesque landscape of Portugal, is designed to serve as a cozy retreat for guests. This architectural project embodies a close integration with its surrounding environment, reflecting a philosophy that emphasizes natural connectivity and user experience. The building serves both as accommodation for visitors and as a space for recreational activities, making it versatile in its function.

The guest house features an innovative design that prioritizes the interaction between interior and exterior spaces. The fluid shapes of the architecture are intended to create a seamless environment, which encourages occupants to engage with nature. The project utilizes a combination of natural light and organic forms to establish a sense of calm and comfort within the living spaces.

Spatial Organization and Functional Layout

The layout of the Olive Guest House is strategically organized to accommodate varying guest needs. The design includes multiple guest rooms, communal living areas, and outdoor spaces that promote social interaction. Each room is positioned to provide optimal views of the surrounding landscape, maximizing natural light while ensuring privacy. Shared areas, such as the reception and living rooms, are designed to foster community among guests, reflecting modern hospitality trends that favor connectivity.

The design incorporates several unique architectural elements, such as expansive glass walls that disconnect the boundaries between the interior and the outdoors. These elements promote a biophilic design approach, allowing occupants to fully experience the serenity of nature from within. The rustic wooden accents installed throughout the house further enhance this connection, providing warmth and texture to the overall aesthetic.

Innovative Use of Materials and Sustainability

In terms of material usage, the project employs reinforced concrete for structural reliability, while textured finishes create visual depth that aligns with the natural terrain. Glass elements facilitate transparency and light flow, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. Wood accents provide necessary contrast, softening the overall design while reinforcing the connection to natural elements.

Sustainability is a core principle guiding the Olive Guest House’s design. Features such as green roofs and landscaped gardens aim to promote local biodiversity and enhance the thermal performance of the structure. By incorporating sustainable materials and systems, the project not only aims for energy efficiency but also seeks to minimize its environmental footprint, showcasing modern architectural practices conducive to a greener future.

To explore the architectural plans, sections, and design details of the Olive Guest House, interested readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project's presentation. Reviewing these elements will provide further insights into the innovative architectural ideas that shape this unique guest house.
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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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