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Natural Stone and White Render Harmonize in a Sustainable Olive Oil Community Space

Authors:
Libby Pelzel, Luis Guevara, Rachel North, Ellis Hudson
Natural Stone and White Render Harmonize in a Sustainable Olive Oil Community Space

Project in-detail

Local stone walls and white render create a timeless aesthetic that harmonizes with the surrounding olive groves, while the design emphasizes sustainability and community engagement in an educational space dedicated to olive oil production.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates locally sourced stone that complements the regional landscape, enhancing its environmental integration.
02
Design features include interconnected courtyards that facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor flow, promoting communal interaction.
03
The use of white render not only enhances aesthetics but also optimizes natural light within the interior spaces.
04
Sustainable practices include a water collection system that supports landscape irrigation and resource efficiency throughout the facility.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their structural integrity and eco-friendly properties, aligning with the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The architectural project Brucatura embodies a thoughtful integration of contemporary design with the region's rich cultural heritage, specifically focused on the Serra d'Aire e Candeeiros area. This project serves as a multifunctional space tied to olive oil production, an industry that has historically shaped the landscape and cultural practices of the region. The architecture represents not only a physical structure but also a narrative that bridges past and present, tradition and innovation.

Functionally, Brucatura accommodates various activities associated with the olive oil industry, including a tasting room and educational spaces for visitors. It emphasizes a community-oriented approach, inviting engagement through thoughtfully designed communal areas and outdoor spaces. The project seeks to create a comprehensive experience where visitors and locals can connect with the landscape, the production process, and one another, thereby fostering a sense of community through shared cultural practices.

Brucatura features a well-considered spatial organization that effectively responds to the site's topography and the natural environment. The design consists of tiered levels that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, ensuring that the buildings do not dominate the scenery but instead complement it. Central courtyards act as focal points, allowing for natural light and ventilation while offering an outdoor environment for relaxation and social interaction. The careful arrangement of spaces provides clear pathways for movement, ensuring ease of use and accessibility throughout the project.

The choice of materials further enhances the project's connection with its context. Local stone provides both stability and insulation, reflecting regional construction techniques while affording the structure a lasting quality. The use of white render on upper walls combines a modern aesthetic with functionality, and wooden elements such as windows and shutters add warmth and authenticity. Terracotta tiles form the roofs, honoring traditional architecture while benefiting from their thermal properties. Large glass windows are strategically placed to frame views of the surrounding olive groves, reinforcing the project's relationship with its environment.

What sets Brucatura apart is its unique design approach, prioritizing sustainability and cultural sensitivity. By implementing passive design strategies, the project minimizes energy consumption and embraces ecological principles. Water collection systems and efficient landscaping practices contribute to its environmental stewardship, showcasing a commitment to responsible resource management. Additionally, the adaptive reuse of space allows for flexibility in how areas are utilized, catering to various needs and fostering an evolving relationship between the structure and its users.

Brucatura is more than just a place for olive oil production; it is a reflection of the community’s identity, an architectural narrative shaped by the landscape and local traditions. By responding thoughtfully to its environment and the culture it represents, this project exemplifies the potential of architecture to create spaces that are both functional and meaningful. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of this project further, delving into architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the unique ideas and outcomes of Brucatura.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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