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Red Clay and Wooden Trusses Form Community Space Emphasizing Local Culture

Author:
Junzhe Zhang
Red Clay and Wooden Trusses Form Community Space Emphasizing Local Culture

Project in-detail

Red clay walls and wooden trusses create a distinctive architectural identity that celebrates local olive culture while providing a versatile space for community gatherings and educational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates red clay as a primary material, enhancing thermal insulation and local craftsmanship.
02
Movable wooden grilles provide flexible partitioning for various activities while allowing natural light control.
03
A central circular space emulates the shape of an olive, fostering community interaction and gatherings.
04
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the roof design, optimizing energy efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
05
The use of locally sourced wood and sustainable practices emphasizes a commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural heritage.
The project represents an architectural endeavor located in Leiria, Portugal, specifically designed to foster community engagement and celebrate the cultural significance of olive harvesting. This building stands not only as a functional space but as a symbol of the local agricultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of olives in the region's identity. The architecture showcases a deep commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design, creating an inviting environment that resonates with visitors and residents alike.

Functionally, the building comprises a range of interconnected spaces, including rooms for guests, meditation, public gatherings, workshops, a kitchen, a canteen, an olive tasting room, and a family history showroom. This diverse assortment of areas is designed to promote interaction, education, and cultural enrichment, allowing various community activities to take place seamlessly. The layout encourages social engagement while providing distinct environments tailored to specific uses, from reflection to celebration.

A notable aspect of the design is its careful consideration of spatial organization. The circulation routes within the structure are designed to facilitate smooth movement, connecting different functions while encouraging spontaneous encounters between users. This thoughtful layout ensures that the building serves as a cohesive unit, where each space complements the others, enhancing the overall user experience.

The project’s materiality also plays a crucial role in its architectural narrative. Wood is a predominant material, chosen for its sustainability and warmth, contributing to a tactile experience that connects occupants to nature. This is particularly evident in the wooden trusses and movable grilles, which provide versatility within the interiors. Additionally, concrete is used to form the foundational aspects of the structure, ensuring strength and durability, which are essential for long-lasting architectural integrity. The incorporation of red clay further enriches the material palette by offering aesthetic appeal and enhancing the building's thermal performance. At the same time, extensive use of tempered glass through windows and skylights maximizes natural light, promoting energy efficiency and creating an open, airy atmosphere.

The architectural form is designed with a unique roof profile that features varied angles, allowing for optimal solar panel integration and creating visual interest. This roof shape not only reflects the building’s connection to the natural landscape but also supports sustainable energy production. Furthermore, the iconic olive shape is evident in the central gathering area of the structure, reinforcing the project’s thematic focus while allowing for an inclusive space that encourages community interaction.

The design emphasizes sustainability in every aspect. The orientation of the building is carefully considered to harness solar energy effectively, with the roof designed to support renewable technologies like solar panels. The dual-glazed windows are another critical feature, promoting thermal efficiency while allowing for exceptional daylighting, which significantly reduces reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day.

Additionally, the unique design approaches taken in this project demonstrate an innovative merging of contemporary architectural practices with traditional cultural references. By utilizing local materials and responding to regional climatic conditions, the architecture not only respects the existing environment but also pays homage to the community's heritage. This thoughtful integration fosters a sense of place, ensuring that the building is not just a structure but a vital part of the local fabric.

Each space within the project is designed to serve distinct functions—encouraging learning, sharing, and connection among community members. The family history showroom and olive tasting room are particularly emblematic of this mission, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and education surrounding local practices and the significance of olive cultivation.

In summary, this architectural project is a testament to the possibilities offered by thoughtful design principles and a deep understanding of local context. It exemplifies a successful amalgamation of form, materiality, and purpose that serves both the community and the environment. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas further, a detailed presentation of the project is available for review.
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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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