Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Stone and Local Brick Create Harmonious Guest House Amidst Olive Groves

Authors:
Victor Carvalho, Luisa Lage, Ana carolina Vieira
Natural Stone and Local Brick Create Harmonious Guest House Amidst Olive Groves

Project in-detail

Crafted from natural stone and local brick, the guest house seamlessly integrates into the olive grove landscape, offering a unique experience that celebrates regional agricultural practices and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced natural stone to blend seamlessly with the landscape.
02
Incorporates outdoor terraces designed for immersion in the olive grove environment.
03
Features large windows that enhance natural light and connect interior spaces with nature.
04
Supports local culture through educational olive oil tasting experiences for guests.
05
Employs a layout that mirrors traditional agricultural patterns of the region.

The Olive Grove is an architectural project designed as a guest house located in Portugal, aimed at integrating with the local landscape and cultural practices of olive cultivation. The architecture emphasizes a connection with nature, utilizing local materials to create a structure that harmonizes with its environment. The project serves both a hospitality function and an educational experience, allowing visitors to engage with the history and process of olive oil production.

The design prioritizes minimalism while emphasizing functionality and comfort. Two distinct volumes rise from the terrain, featuring an arrangement that facilitates natural light and airflow. This creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests that reflects the surrounding natural beauty. The materials selected for the construction include natural stone, locally sourced brick, wood, and gravel. These elements not only ensure durability but also resonate with the traditional craftsmanship of the region.

Unique Features of the Olive Grove Project

What sets the Olive Grove apart from similar architecture projects is its commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance. The design encourages an immersive experience that goes beyond physical accommodation. Open spaces and terraces are integrated into the layout, allowing for outdoor activities and social engagement that connect guests with the agricultural landscape. By employing a layout that engages with the natural contour of the land, the project offers varied vantage points, enhancing the sensory experience.

The incorporation of olive oil tasting and educational programs is a distinctive feature of the guest house. These activities support local agricultural practices while inviting guests to learn about the significance of olive cultivation in the region. The design fosters a connection not only to the land but also to local traditions, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Engagement with Nature and Community

The architectural approach emphasizes transparency and lightness, achieved through expansive windows and outdoor terraces. This design choice promotes an open dialogue between the interior space and the external landscape. The layout allows guests to witness the seasonal changes in the olive grove, creating a dynamic interaction with the environment. Pathways lined with gravel guide visitors through the property, encouraging exploration and engagement with the natural surroundings.

By linking contemporary design with local heritage, the Olive Grove project serves as a point of interest for both tourism and community engagement. The architecture reflects a deeper understanding of place-making, where the built environment supports and enriches regional agricultural practices.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Olive Grove project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, viewers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This exploration will provide insights into the architectural ideas and unique approaches that define this guest house.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 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 17,725 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