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Meditation Space Wrapped in Concrete and Timber Embracing Olive Groves

Author:
Eunsik Kim
Meditation Space Wrapped in Concrete and Timber Embracing Olive Groves

Project in-detail

Nestled within expansive olive groves, a meditation space constructed from concrete and warm timber creates a harmonious connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a gathering place for the Verde family and guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building integrates passive cooling systems, leveraging natural ventilation to maintain indoor comfort without mechanical assistance.
02
The meditation space is uniquely positioned below ground level, offering an intimate experience with the surrounding landscape.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used on the exterior, enhancing durability while creating a visually appealing texture.
04
Observation decks provide panoramic views of the olive groves, encouraging guests to engage with the natural environment.
05
The use of cross-laminated timber panels minimizes environmental impact and reinforces the structure’s connection to local materials.
Caminhar Pelo Caminho is an architectural project located in Barreira, Portugal, designed to represent the intricate relationship between the Verde family and their longstanding tradition of olive oil production. The project not only serves as a functional space for family activities and guest accommodations but also embodies the cultural and historical significance of the family’s agricultural heritage. By creating a facility that allows visitors to connect with this lifestyle, the design integrates elements of education, relaxation, and interaction with nature.

The primary function of the project aligns with its role as a gathering space for family and guests. It offers a rich exploration of olive oil processing combined with comfortable living spaces that enhance the visitor experience. The architectural design emphasizes a promenade-like journey that encourages exploration of the environment, mirroring walks through the olive fields that the Verde family tends to. This journey allows guests to engage with both the natural surroundings and the stories embedded in the land.

The layout of Caminhar Pelo Caminho is thoughtfully organized to facilitate both communal interactions and private contemplative experiences. Observation decks are strategically positioned throughout the structure, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. These decks create immersive experiences, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect on the beauty of the olive groves and rolling hills that characterize the region. Courtyards are introduced within the design, serving as ventilated spaces that invite light and air, contributing to the building's overall comfort.

Inside, the project boasts a variety of spaces tailored to enhance visitor engagement. The communal areas, including kitchens and living rooms, facilitate family gatherings and social activities, fostering a sense of connection among guests. In contrast, private guest rooms offer tranquil retreats, equipped with large windows that frame the picturesque rural landscape, allowing the beauty of nature to be a constant companion during one’s stay. A key feature is the dedicated meditation space within the basement, designed for quiet reflection, reinforcing the relationship between the occupants and their serene surroundings.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the overall architectural character of Caminhar Pelo Caminho. The project utilizes concrete for its structural elements, creating a solid foundation that underscores permanence. Complementing this are warm wooden slats that bring an inviting warmth to interior spaces, enhancing the atmosphere within the building. Expansive glass windows are deployed throughout, optimizing natural light and blurring the lines between the interior and the exterior, thus reinforcing the connection to the lush landscape outside.

This project stands out not only for its functional approach but also for its sustainable design principles. It incorporates passive cooling systems that promote energy efficiency, relying on natural ventilation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Solar panels positioned on the roof further demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, signifying a modern understanding of architectural responsibility.

Unique to Caminhar Pelo Caminho is its focus on the promenade experience, which allows occupants to traverse the building and its surrounding grounds as if they are walking along the roads that have become an intrinsic part of the Verde family’s history. This deliberate design choice promotes not just movement through space but also contemplative engagement with the agricultural landscape, creating opportunities for guests to appreciate the labor and tradition that define the essence of olive oil production.

Overall, Caminhar Pelo Caminho successfully encapsulates the ambitions of both architectural practice and cultural storytelling. Its thoughtful integration of space, material, and function comes together to create a rich narrative that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the lifestyle and legacy of the Verde family. For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas will provide valuable insights into the design’s careful consideration of context and function.
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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
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