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Curvilinear Structure Crafted With Ceramic Bricks and Natural Stone for Community Gathering

Authors:
Carlos aridane Gonzalez cuervo, Rafał Matusik, Jakub Masłowski, Justyna Masłowska
Curvilinear Structure Crafted With Ceramic Bricks and Natural Stone for Community Gathering

Project in-detail

Artfully integrating curvilinear forms with locally sourced ceramic bricks and natural stone, the design fosters a welcoming environment for community gatherings in Barreira.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's design features a fluid, curvilinear form that mirrors the natural landscape of Barreira.
02
Locally sourced ceramic bricks are utilized to connect the structure with regional craftsmanship and heritage.
03
A unique ventilation strategy incorporates skylights that enhance natural light while minimizing energy use.
04
Natural stone flooring blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.
05
The communal dining area is thoughtfully positioned to foster interaction, centralizing social engagement within the space.

### Overview
Located in Barreira, the Olive House is designed as a community hub that connects local agricultural traditions associated with olive and wine production. Strategically positioned at the foot of the school, the building's form is responsive to the topography, establishing a visual and functional relationship with its site. The architecture embodies principles of organic design, ensuring that the structure harmonizes with the surrounding landscape while serving as a focal point for community engagement.

### Spatial Organization
The layout prioritizes social interaction and communal experiences, emphasizing a hierarchy of spaces that guide user activity. The lower level is dedicated to communal functions, fostering gatherings and connection, while private areas are situated on the upper floors to ensure privacy. Central to the design is a spacious dining area that serves as the nucleus for social activities, complemented by well-defined common areas and a functional kitchen designed for communal cooking.

### Material Selection
Material choices emphasize local resources and sustainability. Key elements include ceramic bricks for structural integrity and insulation, natural stone flooring for tactile engagement, oriented strand board (OSB) for the roof structure, and reinforced concrete for foundational support. Extensive use of glass throughout the design enhances natural light and visual connectivity, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. This careful selection not only addresses practical needs but also aligns with a commitment to ecological consciousness.

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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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