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Rammed Earth Walls and Corten Steel Create a Sensory Olive Oil Experience

Authors:
Radek Jakes, Inga Brückner, KONTEXT ARCHITEKTEN
Rammed Earth Walls and Corten Steel Create a Sensory Olive Oil Experience

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls juxtaposed with Corten steel provide a tactile and visual engagement that immerses visitors in the olive oil's production journey, functioning as both an educational center and tasting venue.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction minimizes the carbon footprint and enhances thermal mass.
02
Corten steel cladding develops a unique patina that integrates with the landscape over time.
03
Local timber flooring provides a warm aesthetic while supporting regional craftsmanship.
04
Extensive glazing offers panoramic views and natural light, enhancing the visitor experience.
05
The green roof system captures rainwater and supports local biodiversity.

### Overview
Villa Verde is an architectural design created as a venue for olive oil tasting and education, located in a rural environment that encourages engagement with the landscape. The intent of the design is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of olive oil production while fostering a connection to nature and showcasing contemporary ecological design principles. The project emphasizes harmony between the built environment and its natural surroundings, integrating both educational and experiential elements.

### Spatial Organization
The site plan has been developed to strategically relate built forms to the topography, optimizing interaction with the landscape and promoting a variety of activities, including tours and workshops. The internal layout consists of dedicated spaces for public tasting and educational exhibits, complemented by private areas for guest accommodations. This organization allows for a balanced experience, encouraging social interaction and solitude. The ground floor is entirely focused on the tasting experience, featuring intuitive access points that enhance the flow between various functions, while a garden space offers visitors an opportunity to engage with the natural environment.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials plays a critical role in the design of Villa Verde. Local clay is utilized for rammed earth walls, providing warmth and tactile engagement. Corten steel cladding is incorporated for its durability and aesthetic contrast with the surrounding environment, and locally sourced timber flooring establishes an earthy connection to the site. Artisan-crafted tiles enhance the building's cultural context, while extensive glass fenestration maximizes natural light and offers views of the landscape. The design incorporates sustainability practices such as a green roof for rainwater retention, an underground reservoir for irrigation, and integration of solar energy systems, reinforcing its commitment to ecological principles.

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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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