Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Gabion Walls and Hollow Brick Construction in a Community-Centric Culinary Hub

Author:
Wei ting Yu
Gabion Walls and Hollow Brick Construction in a Community-Centric Culinary Hub

Project in-detail

Employing hollow brick construction and gabion walls, the design creates a communal hub that fosters local culinary traditions while seamlessly blending with the agricultural landscape of Leiria and Batalha.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project integrates gabion walls that blend seamlessly with local stone, enhancing both aesthetics and sustainability.
02
Hollow brick construction is utilized for improved thermal efficiency, reducing energy demands year-round.
03
A communal kitchen space encourages culinary workshops, promoting local olive oil culture and community engagement.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are employed, optimizing airflow while minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Flexible room arrangements cater to diverse demographics, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use for various community activities.
This architectural project is a thoughtful embodiment of modern design principles nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Leiria and Batalha in Portugal. It represents a confluence of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural heritage, aiming to foster connections among individuals while promoting the local olive oil industry. The design seeks to narrate a story of place and purpose, inviting occupants and visitors to experience the region’s agricultural traditions in a contemporary context.

Circulating through the premises, one notes a well-organized ground floor plan that prioritizes both public interaction and private retreat. The project’s layout features a forecourt and drop-off area, offering convenient access to the central facilities. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious showroom or reception area, designed not solely as a point of entry but as a welcoming introduction to the world of olive oil production. This space serves a dual role, facilitating information dissemination while heralding the core of the project’s mission.

A standout feature of this design is its communal kitchen and shared facilities, ingeniously integrated to facilitate culinary workshops and dining experiences. This area encourages social interactions and a sense of community, underlining the project's goal of making local culinary traditions accessible and engaging. Surrounding this central hub is the thoughtfully designed courtyard, which serves as an outdoor gathering space and accommodates bike parking, promoting sustainable methods of transport.

The project pays meticulous attention to materiality, grounding its architectural expression in local context. High-quality metal and stone are utilized to evoke a sense of permanence and durability, creating a stark yet harmonious dialogue with the surrounding landscape. The use of hollow brick construction brings forth structural benefits, enhancing thermal performance while remaining true to the region’s architectural language. Wood elements punctuate the design, introducing warmth and intimacy, reflecting the pastoral history inherent to the area.

Innovative sustainability features permeate the project, with an emphasis on passive solar strategies that aim to reduce energy consumption. Natural ventilation, facilitated by strategic openings, ensures a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. The southern roof orientation is prepped for the potential integration of solar panels, highlighting a commitment to renewable energy use and sustainable living.

Unique to this project is its strong narrative capacity, intertwining the cultural significance of olive oil with contemporary architectural practices. This project does not simply serve as a structure but transforms into a community asset that elevates local identity and provides educational opportunities. It encourages an appreciation for the region’s rich agricultural heritage while addressing modern societal needs, including connectivity and sustainability.

Moreover, the design highlights accessibility, an increasingly important consideration in contemporary architecture. Inclusive features within guest units, coupled with flexible communal spaces, make this project suitable for various demographics, ensuring that the spirit of community is felt by all who engage with the space.

The thoughtful melding of these distinct elements underscores an innovative design philosophy that strives to balance aesthetic appeal with functional benefit. This project serves as a compelling example of how architecture can respond to and enhance its environment while contributing positively to the community it serves. By fostering the growth of local tourism centered around olive oil, it paves the way for economic development and cultural enrichment.

Those interested in diving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project are encouraged to explore the comprehensive presentation for further insights. The architectural ideas and implementations found here reflect a sincere commitment to enhancing both the aesthetic qualities and functional demands of contemporary communal living. Through this project, visitors and inhabitants alike are invited to engage with a space that harmonizes tradition and innovation, driving home the narrative of regional heritage within a modern framework.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy