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Natural Stone Facade and Water Features Create a Tranquil Retreat in Sustainable Building Design

Author:
Hanna Rohst
Natural Stone Facade and Water Features Create a Tranquil Retreat in Sustainable Building Design

Project in-detail

The interplay of natural stone cladding and calming water features defines a serene environment that serves as a tranquil retreat for guests seeking reflection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation room designed with water features for enhanced tranquility.
02
Natural stone cladding seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape.
03
Upper-level tasting room offers panoramic views of olive groves.
04
Energy-efficient insulation materials contribute to sustainable design.
05
Zoned spaces support diverse communal activities within the guest house.

## Overview

Located in a small town in Portugal, approximately 15 kilometers from the Atlantic coast, the Portugal Olive Guest House is designed as a tranquil retreat that harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings. The project aims to provide a functional space encouraging various activities, including dining, meditation, and social interactions. The design intent emphasizes the creation of an environment that fosters relaxation and connection among guests while respecting the landscape.

### Spatial Organization and Experience

The guest house features a three-level structure, comprising two upper floors and a basement, strategically allocated into specific functional zones. Key areas include a meditation room situated on the lower level, enhanced by surrounding water features that promote a serene atmosphere. The tasting room, located on the upper levels, offers expansive views of the adjacent olive groves, reinforcing the connection to the local landscape. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces, supplemented by gardens and water elements, enhances the guest experience by facilitating relaxation and contemplation.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction reflects a commitment to sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly materials and building practices. Structural walls are made of reinforced concrete for durability, while natural stone cladding integrates the building aesthetically with its surroundings. The design incorporates insulation materials to ensure thermal efficiency, minimizing energy consumption. Wood accents in both interior and exterior applications contribute warmth and texture, further grounding the structure within its environment. This environmentally conscious approach not only ensures structural integrity but also aligns with contemporary standards of sustainable architecture.

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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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