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Framing Views with Rammed Earth and Ash Wood in a Communal Space

Author:
Jared Clark
Framing Views with Rammed Earth and Ash Wood in a Communal Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and framed by ash wood, the design creates a harmonious communal space that emphasizes connections to the landscape while fostering interactions among artists and visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth provides natural insulation while enhancing durability.
02
Ash wood frames complement the earthy tones, creating a warm aesthetic.
03
Existing olive trees are integrated into the layout, preserving the landscape.
04
Open communal spaces encourage collaboration and social interaction.
05
Strategically placed openings frame views of the surrounding landscape.

The Olive Garden project represents a careful approach to architecture, emphasizing the relationship between built spaces and the landscape. Situated in a scenic area, the design focuses on three main goals: creating views, blending with the environment, and encouraging interactions between visitors and artists. Each aspect of the design works together to promote collaboration while honoring the natural setting.

Framing Views

Central to the design is the idea of framing the beautiful landscape. Each building form takes inspiration from the olive tree, ensuring that functionality and beauty go hand in hand. The structures are placed thoughtfully within the site, enhancing visual relationships with the surroundings. This careful arrangement allows both visitors and artists to appreciate the natural beauty around them.

Integration with the Landscape

Integrating existing olive trees into the design has a significant impact. This respect for nature showcases a commitment to environmental care. The buildings do not stand apart from their environment but rather connect with it. They rest gently on the land, creating a sense of unity between natural growth and human-made space. This connection allows the architecture to support the landscape rather than disrupt it.

Community Focus

Encouraging community engagement is a core element of the design. Open communal spaces serve as gathering areas for artists and visitors alike. These spaces invite interaction and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging. Pathways weave through the landscape, inviting people to explore. This layout creates opportunities for shared experiences that deepen connections with each other and the environment.

Materiality and Details

Rammed earth is used predominantly in the construction, chosen for its durability and natural appearance. This material blends well with the surroundings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ash wood features prominently in door and window frames, adding a touch of comfort. The design incorporates carefully placed openings that frame views while ensuring ample light fills the interiors. Gentle curves in the walls add visual interest, enhancing the organic feel of the buildings.

The thoughtful design details contribute to a respectful and engaging environment for all users, where art and nature coexist harmoniously.

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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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