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Dual-Skin Design Utilizing Local Stone and Concrete for a Sustainable Retreat

Author:
Lee Jisu
Dual-Skin Design Utilizing Local Stone and Concrete for a Sustainable Retreat

Project in-detail

With a double-skin facade crafted from local stone and concrete, this retreat harmonizes with its natural setting while offering an immersive experience rooted in the region's olive cultivation heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a double-skin facade that enhances energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates local stone to tie the structure to its geographical context.
03
Features a dedicated sensory space for olive oil tasting and education.
04
Utilizes passive design principles to maintain indoor climate comfort.
05
Positioned to maximize views of the surrounding olive groves and landscape.

**Overview**
Located in Portugal, Casa da Oliveira guest house reflects a thoughtful integration of architectural design with the region's cultural heritage, particularly inspired by the olive tree, which symbolizes harmony and vitality. The intent of the design is to create an immersive environment that connects guests to their surroundings while providing a comfortable retreat. The layout encourages interaction with both the landscape and local traditions associated with olive cultivation.

**Spatial Strategy and Organization**
The guest house is skillfully positioned on a cliff, accommodating the site's varied topography. This consideration enhances the functionality of spaces while promoting a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments. Flat areas are designated for communal gatherings, outdoor amenities, and private guest quarters, effectively utilizing the terrain to meet diverse needs. Structural elements are designed to evoke a branch-like configuration, inviting engagement with the natural landscape.

**Materiality and Sustainable Features**
The choice of materials is rooted in local architectural practices, utilizing concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth and insulation, and glass to maximize natural light and connectivity to the surroundings. A double-skin wall construction enhances energy efficiency, providing shading akin to the protective canopy of an olive tree. Unique spaces within the guest house, such as a tasting room and a meditation room, are designed to facilitate sensory experiences, connecting guests to the traditional local art of olive oil production and cultural heritage.

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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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