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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.

**Project Overview**
The Oliver Guest House is situated within an olive-growing region, designed to foster a deep connection between its occupants and the surrounding natural environment. The concept emphasizes "Contact with Context," aiming to create sensory engagement with nature while integrating the historical and therapeutic significance of olive oil into the architectural experience.

**Spatial Organization and Functional Zoning**
The design features a central corridor that serves as the main axis, facilitating circulation while functioning as a mediative space that encourages interaction with the landscape. This corridor enhances mental tranquility by providing visual access to the surrounding olive groves. The guesthouse is strategically zoned to accommodate various functions, including a communal dining area, private guest rooms, and an olive oil documentation space that highlights the cultural significance of olive oil. Each area is thoughtfully oriented to maximize natural light and views while ensuring privacy.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
Materials selected for the construction of the guest house are integral to its connection with the environment. Natural stone forms the foundation, enhancing thermal mass and reflecting local geological characteristics. Wood is used for ceilings and furniture to foster warmth and acoustical comfort. The extensive use of glass throughout the building facilitates abundant natural light and creates visual connectivity with the exterior. Sustainable design practices are evident in the incorporation of passive climate control strategies, including air circulation through strategically placed gardens and features that optimize solar control. These elements collectively contribute to energy efficiency while enhancing the overall user experience.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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