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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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