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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

Project in-detail

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 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
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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