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Natural Stone and Glass Facades Enhance Community Spaces in a Sustainable Design

Author:
Gi Suk Oh
Natural Stone and Glass Facades Enhance Community Spaces in a Sustainable Design
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Natural stone and expansive glass facades create a seamless connection with the surrounding olive grove, offering a sustainable guesthouse that enhances the experience of local heritage and olive oil production.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone elements are integrated to blend the structure into the olive grove landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and an environmentally friendly approach.
03
Large glass facades maximize daylight and create visual continuity with the outdoor environment.
04
A bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while allowing for unique interior spaces.
05
Dedicated reflection areas promote engagement with the heritage of olive oil production.

### Project Overview
Located in central Portugal, the Verde Olive Guest House serves as an accommodation designed for the Verde family, renowned for their traditional olive oil production. This guesthouse reflects the family’s commitment to heritage and sustainability, aiming to create a connection between guests and the natural landscape, as well as the cultural significance of olive oil production.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design employs a sustainable spatial organization that leverages the site's topography to maximize natural lighting and ventilation. Pathways guide visitors through the surrounding gardens and shared areas, promoting exploration and interaction with the environment. Central to the layout is the multipurpose space, which functions for multiple activities including tastings and dining, characterized by high ceilings and open plans that enhance spatial perception. Guest quarters are designed for comfort and privacy, maintaining intimacy while offering direct access to common areas. Additionally, designated spaces for prayer and reflection connect visitors to the site's historical context.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
Material selection emphasizes durability and compatibility with the local landscape. Concrete provides structural integrity, while expansive glass surfaces optimize natural light and establish continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. Natural stone is strategically used to evoke traditional olive oil production, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Integrated sustainability features include rainwater harvesting systems, efficient irrigation, and energy conservation measures achieved through high-quality insulation and advanced glazing. Such considerations ensure minimal environmental impact while fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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