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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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