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Sunken Courtyard Embracing Local Red Bricks and Timber Screens for Communal Living

Authors:
Chuck ty Yeoh, Mario Luz, Richard Dalman, Matthew Wang
Sunken Courtyard Embracing Local Red Bricks and Timber Screens for Communal Living

Project in-detail

A sunken courtyard centered around an O-live tree enhances communal living, defined by locally sourced red bricks and functional timber screens that create a harmonious balance between social interaction and personal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a central O-live tree within a sunken courtyard, emphasizing a connection to nature.
02
Local red bricks are used for the exterior, reflecting regional architectural heritage.
03
Timber screens provide shading while allowing for natural light penetration into living spaces.
04
Distinct functional zones are defined by tiered levels, promoting both privacy and community interaction.
05
Passive cooling is achieved through the courtyard's design, enhancing energy efficiency throughout the residence.

### Overview

O-Live House is located in a rural area of Portugal, designed to blend modern architectural principles with traditional influences. Central to the project is a sunken courtyard with an O-live tree, which embodies the intent of fostering community engagement and a strong connection to the local landscape. The design addresses contemporary living requirements while emphasizing sustainability through the integration of natural elements and local materials.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a series of tiered rings that encircle the courtyard, which not only enhances the prominence of the O-live tree but also provides a clear organizational framework for the interior spaces. This arrangement allows for dynamic interaction with the environment, optimizing views and creating shaded areas that improve comfort in warmer weather. The zoning of the building distinguishes various functional areas catering to diverse activities, including relaxation, social interaction, and personal retreat. Specific spaces such as the meditation pavilion, plunge pool, and an open-plan kitchen promote a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The design incorporates locally-sourced red bricks and traditional red roof tiles, integrating elements of Portuguese architectural heritage while ensuring structural integrity. Timber screens provide both texture and shading, enhancing privacy without sacrificing natural light. Concrete panels serve as modern structural elements, demonstrating a synthesis of contemporary aesthetics with traditional forms. The sunken courtyard design aids in natural temperature regulation, and the use of local materials minimizes transportation emissions, promoting a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsiveness throughout the project.

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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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