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Natural Light and White Plaster Complement Sustainable Masonry in Iberian Lodge Design

Authors:
Eduardo antônio De paula souza e guimarães, Vânia maria Felchar, João batista Valle leme, Mateus Figueira barreto vilas boas
Natural Light and White Plaster Complement Sustainable Masonry in Iberian Lodge Design

Project in-detail

White plastered masonry and extensive glass elements create a seamless transition between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, offering a sustainable lodge that celebrates the region's olive oil heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
White plastered masonry harmonizes with the local architectural tradition.
02
Extensive glass walls enhance natural light and provide landscape views.
03
A central distribution hall facilitates connectivity between guest suites.
04
Zenith openings allow sunlight to penetrate deeper into interior spaces.
05
Sustainable materials were selected to minimize environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The Olive Oil Horizon Lodge is located on the Iberian Peninsula, an area steeped in a long-standing tradition of olive oil production. The design of the lodge pays homage to the region's historical context, incorporating traditional architectural elements within a modern framework. The project aims to create an engaging relationship with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability and minimal impact on the natural terrain.

### Architectural Design and Materiality

The lodge exemplifies a balanced integration of traditional references and contemporary design principles. Key features include the strategic layout that optimizes the site's topography for guest accommodations, ensuring unobstructed views while maintaining environmental sensitivity. The material palette is carefully selected to reflect both local architectural styles and sustainability:

- **Masonry**: The primary structure uses masonry with a white plaster finish, echoing traditional Portuguese construction.
- **EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)**: This material serves as a durable, water-resistant membrane, contributing to the lodge's longevity.
- **Wood**: Incorporated in beams and slab elements, wood adds a warm, modern aesthetic that complements the overall design language.

The design prioritizes sustainability by employing high-quality materials and innovative construction methods, resulting in a structure that allows contemporary functionality while respecting traditional architecture.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The spatial organization of the lodge is designed for both practicality and aesthetic coherence. The ground floor features a variety of guest accommodations, including suites with flexible bedding arrangements and bathrooms, alongside communal areas that foster interaction. A central distribution hall enhances circulation throughout the lodge, featuring zenith openings that allow ample natural light to penetrate the interior spaces.

Adjacent to the natural landscape, a dedicated meditation space further encourages connection with the environment, promoting a sense of tranquility. Landscaping plays a vital role in the overall design narrative, incorporating aromatic plant species that enhance the sensory experience while reflecting the region's olive cultivation heritage. The thoughtful integration of external and internal spaces, along with the use of glass walls, fosters an interactive experience with the surrounding nature.

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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
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