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Curvilinear Forms and Transparent Facades Blending Concrete and Glass in a Mediterranean Residence

Authors:
Anastasios Theodorakakis, Eleni Vagianou
Curvilinear Forms and Transparent Facades Blending Concrete and Glass in a Mediterranean Residence

Project in-detail

Curvilinear design elements crafted from reinforced concrete and expansive glass create a seamless interplay with the natural olive grove setting, culminating in a functional residential space that prioritizes connectivity and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms mirror the shapes of nearby olive tree trunks.
02
Extensive glazing ensures panoramic views of the olive groves.
03
Sustainable design incorporates passive solar strategies for energy efficiency.
04
Natural stone finishes create a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
The layout fosters fluid movement and social interaction throughout the space.

**Overview**

The Olive Tree House, located on the island of Aegina, Greece, presents a distinctive approach to residential architecture that responds to its natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the island's olive groves, the design aims to achieve a functional and aesthetic relationship with the landscape, integrating the principles of modern architecture while respecting the site's cultural and ecological context.

**Spatial Configuration**

The architectural layout prioritizes an open plan that encourages fluid movement and social interaction among occupants. Circular forms are employed throughout the design, enhancing connectivity and guiding residents towards communal spaces. The arrangement includes diverse living areas, such as kitchens, lounges, and bedrooms, all designed to maximize usability and foster a sense of community. This configuration not only enhances user experience but also aligns with the organic character of the local environment.

**Materiality and Environmental Context**

The material palette of the Olive Tree House combines reinforced concrete, glass, and natural stone, each selected for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Reinforced concrete allows for flexible, organic shapes, while extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and illumination within the interiors, creating visual continuity with the exterior landscape. Natural stone is incorporated to establish a tactile connection to the site, grounding the structure firmly within its ecological context.

Considerations for climate and sustainability are reflected in the design, particularly through passive solar strategies. The extensive glazing supports passive heating in cooler months, and thoughtfully designed roof overhangs provide necessary shade during the summer. This approach not only minimizes reliance on mechanical systems but also enhances the overall environmental harmony of the dwelling.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

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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