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Recycled Olive Pits and Natural Stone Enhanced Green Roofs for Sustainable Rural Retreat

Authors:
Ahmed m. Albadawy, Abd al-hadi Thuraia, Abd Al-Hadi Thuraia, Fasna Kumbalakuzhiyan, Fasna Kumbalakuzhiyan, Shruti deepak Patel, Shruti Deepak Patel
Recycled Olive Pits and Natural Stone Enhanced Green Roofs for Sustainable Rural Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled olive pits and local stone, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable elements with natural aesthetics, creating a rural retreat that fosters education and community engagement around olive cultivation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled olive pits as a key design element, integrating local waste into the aesthetic.
02
Features a green roof that not only provides insulation but also serves as an active garden for education.
03
Incorporates natural stone and clay for a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Designed with extensive glass facades to enhance natural lighting and visual links to the olive groves.
05
Includes dedicated spaces for community engagement and hands-on experiences in olive oil production.
The Olive Enclave House represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability, cultural significance, and community engagement. This architectural project stands as a tribute to the long-standing importance of the olive tree, often regarded as a symbol of peace and prosperity throughout history. The design operates on multiple levels, serving as a space for accommodation, education, and interaction with the cultivation of olives and oil production, thereby fostering a strong connection between guests and local agricultural practices.

Functionally, the Olive Enclave is designed to cater to various needs. It provides accommodation for visitors, educational spaces for learning about olive cultivation and oil production, and communal areas for relaxation and social interaction. These elements are carefully organized within the layout to promote both privacy and community engagement, creating a balance that is essential for visitors who seek to immerse themselves in a rural retreat. The site’s natural topography informs the design, allowing for pathways and structures that blend seamlessly with the landscape, encouraging exploration and appreciation of the surrounding environment.

One of the notable aspects of the Olive Enclave is its commitment to sustainability in material choice and production processes. Concrete serves as a primary structural material due to its durability, while local stone is utilized for pathways and retaining walls, ensuring that the build is in harmony with its environment. Additionally, environmentally friendly materials like clay provide aesthetic value and insulation properties. A unique aspect of the project is the incorporation of recycled materials, including olive oil bottles and olive pits, which not only contribute to the architectural design but also reflect a modern approach to recycling and sustainability.

Unique design approaches further distinguish the Olive Enclave. The extensive use of glass highlights the connection between the interior spaces and the natural surrounds, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing views of the olive groves. This connection encourages guests to feel part of the landscape rather than separate from it. The design also features a green roof, which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes by providing insulation and promoting environmental stewardship through active green spaces.

In terms of user experience, the project prioritizes interaction with nature. Visitors can engage in various activities related to olive oil production, from learning about the processes involved to participating in olive grinding and oil tasting events. Such experiences are underscored by thoughtfully designed educational spaces that promote learning through interaction with local agricultural practices.

Furthermore, the layout incorporates personal reflection spaces such as meditation rooms and quiet gardens, effectively promoting wellness among guests. The architecture, therefore, does not merely serve utilitarian functions but also aims to foster a holistic sense of well-being and connection to the local environment.

Overall, the Olive Enclave House encapsulates a balanced architectural approach that merges function with respect for nature and local culture. Each aspect of the design serves to educate and engage visitors, while simultaneously providing a relaxing retreat that honors the heritage of olive cultivation. For those interested in learning more about this project, we encourage you to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and other design elements that provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shape the Olive Enclave House.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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