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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
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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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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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