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Natural Stone and Wooden Textures Unite in a Guest House Embracing Local Culture and Sustainability

Author:
Lee Hayeon
Natural Stone and Wooden Textures Unite in a Guest House Embracing Local Culture and Sustainability

Project in-detail

Natural stone and warm wooden elements create a sensory-rich environment that highlights the local olive culture while serving as an inviting guest house for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone integrates seamlessly with the landscape, anchoring the structure to its olive-growing context.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while showcasing eco-friendly building practices.
03
A dedicated olive oil tasting room offers guests an immersive cultural experience linked to local traditions.
04
The innovative bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and optimizes sunlight exposure.
05
Garden integration enhances airflow and thermal regulation, contributing to sustainable energy efficiency.
The Oliver Guest House is an architectural project designed to create a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments while allowing for a unique sensory experience related to olive oil. Located in an olive-growing region, the project embodies a commitment to enhancing guest interaction with nature, while incorporating the historical and cultural significance of olive oil.

The overall architectural design is organized around a central corridor that facilitates movement through the guest house. This corridor connects various functional areas, including an olive oil tasting room, dining spaces, and private guest accommodations. The design emphasizes transparency, utilizing large windows and open spaces to create visual connections with the surrounding landscape.

The guest house serves multiple purposes: it functions as a temporary residence for visitors and an educational site promoting olive oil culture. The inclusion of dedicated spaces for olive oil documentation provides informative and engaging experiences, connecting guests to local traditions.

Innovative Design Approaches

A key feature of the Oliver Guest House is its biophilic design, which prioritizes natural elements to enhance the well-being of guests. This design philosophy is evident in the extensive use of natural materials, such as stone, wood, and glass. Natural stone anchors the building to the site, while wooden elements add warmth and comfort. Large glass windows allow an abundance of natural light and facilitate airflow, promoting passive temperature regulation.

Air circulation is strategically addressed through garden integration, allowing for enhanced cross ventilation. Design elements such as roof overhangs and louvered eaves are incorporated to mitigate solar gain and ensure comfortable interior conditions throughout varying seasons. This approach to climate responsiveness underscores the project's focus on sustainability.

Functional Spaces

The spatial organization of the Oliver Guest House includes distinct areas for communal activities and private retreats. The dining and kitchen areas are designed to promote interaction among guests, allowing for shared experiences centered around meals and discussions. Private guest rooms are oriented to maximize privacy and views, further enhancing the comfort of visitors.

The project also features a dedicated olive oil tasting room, serving as the focal point for educational activities. This space is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in both the sensory and cultural aspects of olive oil, fostering a deeper understanding of its significance.

To explore detailed elements of this project, such as architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, readers are encouraged to examine the project presentation for a comprehensive view of the architectural ideas that shape the Oliver Guest House.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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