Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Healing Space Crafted With Local Brick and Expansive Glass Panels Emphasizing Biophilic Connection

Author:
Lee Hayeon
Healing Space Crafted With Local Brick and Expansive Glass Panels Emphasizing Biophilic Connection

Project in-detail

Crafted from local brick and highlighted by expansive glass panels, the design creates a serene retreat that fosters a deep connection with nature while promoting holistic wellness for its guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a central corridor that acts as a visual and spatial spine, promoting movement and connectivity throughout the space.
02
Large glass openings prioritize natural light while blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor settings.
03
The use of local brick not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to the building's thermal performance.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated through dry wells, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
05
A focus on sensory experiences includes the strategic placement of aromatic elements to enhance guest wellness and relaxation.
The Oliver Guest House is an architectural project that thoughtfully integrates nature and design, creating a space that fosters relaxation and rejuvenation for its guests. Situated in a serene landscape, the project draws inspiration from the historical significance of olive oil, emphasizing its healing properties and symbolic connection to well-being. This guest house serves not only as accommodations but as a retreat that encourages guests to engage with both their surroundings and themselves.

The primary function of the Oliver Guest House is to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for visitors seeking respite from their daily routines. It is designed to accommodate individual guests or small groups, offering communal spaces for social interaction as well as intimate nooks for solitude. By prioritizing mental and physical tranquility, the project aims to create a holistic experience that resonates with the principles of wellness.

From an architectural standpoint, the guest house features a central corridor that serves as the core of the design. This corridor acts as a spine for the building, allowing for a seamless connection between various functions, including the olive oil tasting room, communal dining areas, and private sleeping quarters. The thoughtful spatial arrangement encourages movement through the building while facilitating a dialogue between internal spaces and the external landscape. Large windows and open thresholds blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, inviting natural light and fresh air while offering picturesque views of the surrounding nature.

The design incorporates a range of materials that enhance the overall aesthetic and contribute to the building's performance. Local brick is used for the exterior walls, creating a natural look that harmonizes with the environment. Wood elements are included in flooring and ceiling finishes to add warmth and comfort, while expansive glass panels maximize daylighting, establishing a direct connection with the landscape. Concrete is employed in structural areas, providing stability and durability. Louvers attached to the roof provide flexibility in managing sunlight, contributing to the building's passive-design strategies.

A unique aspect of the Oliver Guest House is its emphasis on the sensory experiences associated with olive oil. The design not only reflects this theme through the layout and materials but also integrates the essence of the olive into the guest experience. Aromatic elements are strategically placed throughout the building to enhance the atmosphere and contribute to a sense of relaxation. This thoughtful incorporation of the olive oil concept serves to create a narrative that guides the guest experience, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in both the healing qualities of the oil and the surrounding natural environment.

The overall architectural design encapsulates the notions of sustainability and harmony with nature. By incorporating passive heating, cooling strategies, and natural materials, the project minimizes its environmental footprint while maximizing user comfort. The spaces are designed to promote social interaction among guests, as well as provide areas conducive to quiet reflection. The project represents a balance between communal living and individual retreat, recognizing the diverse needs of modern travelers.

The Oliver Guest House is a carefully considered project that exemplifies how architecture can promote well-being and connection to nature. Its thoughtful design, material choices, and focus on sensory experiences establish it as a tranquil sanctuary in which guests can unwind and engage with both their inner selves and the beauty of their surroundings. To explore the full scope of this architectural endeavor, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, further investigation of the project presentation is encouraged for those looking to gain deeper insights into its innovative ideas and design strategies.
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