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Organic Form and Local Wood Intertwine in a Sustainable Guest Experience

Authors:
Arman Afradvatan, Davoud Kordi, Reza Maleki, Azade Aghasi
Organic Form and Local Wood Intertwine in a Sustainable Guest Experience

Project in-detail

Emphasizing an organic architectural form crafted from local wood, this guest house seamlessly integrates into the landscape while providing a sustainable and inviting environment for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability.
02
The roof design mimics the natural contours of olive tree branches, integrating the building into its landscape.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and improved durability against environmental elements.
04
Large louvered windows enable natural ventilation and optimize views of the surrounding olive grove.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support efficient water management for landscaping and overall sustainability.

### Project Overview
The Portugal Olive Guest House is situated in Portugal and is designed to honor the region’s historical association with olive oil production. The facility seeks to enhance the visitor experience while prioritizing sustainability, effectively linking cultural heritage with modern hospitality.

### Architectural Form and Materiality
The structure features an asymmetrical roof that echoes the branching form of the olive tree, providing both visual complexity and practical benefits such as effective water drainage and shading. Natural wood is predominantly used throughout the design, offering warmth and a sensory connection to the environment. Large glass facades ensure ample natural light and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, while light-colored metal elements provide a contemporary contrast. Local stone may also be integrated into the landscaping to strengthen the building's connection to its context.

### Spatial Organization and Sustainability
The interior layout strategically separates public and private spaces, positioning communal areas—such as the lobby and dining room—to encourage interaction, while guest rooms are located in quieter sections for privacy. Each room is designed with expansive windows to frame views of the natural surroundings, ensuring guest comfort. Sustainability measures include the use of roof-mounted solar panels for renewable energy, a green roof for insulation and ecological benefits, and cross-ventilation for efficient airflow. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems showcase a commitment to responsible resource management, allowing for reuse in landscaping efforts.

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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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