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Sustainable Community Hub Crafted from Earthen Materials and Natural Wood Elements

Author:
Minjae Lee
Sustainable Community Hub Crafted from Earthen Materials and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Crafted with earthen materials and expansive natural wood elements, the structure serves as a community hub that educates visitors about olive cultivation and fosters connections among individuals in a serene, outdoor setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced earthen materials to enhance thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates circular seating arrangements to promote community interaction.
03
Features expansive windows designed to maximize natural light and views of the olive grove.
04
Includes dedicated educational spaces for immersive learning experiences about olive cultivation.
05
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview

The Oh-Live House is situated in a fertile region renowned for its olive agriculture. This architectural project aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of olives, reflecting the cultural significance of the olive tree across various communities. It serves not only as a residence but as an educational and experiential center that emphasizes the traditional practices associated with olive cultivation and consumption.

### Spatial Configuration and Natural Connection

The layout of the Oh-Live House is thoughtfully designed to support diverse activities, comprising communal areas for gatherings, private spaces for reflection, and outdoor zones that integrate with the olive grove. Circular and rectangular seating arrangements are utilized to facilitate various types of interactions, promoting both intimate conversations and larger community events. The design incorporates natural ventilation features, strategically placed windows, and light shafts to optimize airflow and daylight, fostering an active engagement with the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials underscores a commitment to authenticity and environmental harmony. Natural wood contributes warmth to interior spaces, while adobe and earthen materials enhance thermal efficiency and visual cohesiveness with the landscape. Large glass windows invite ample natural light and foster a connection with the outdoor environment, while stone elements provide structural integrity and a grounding presence. These selections not only enhance the user experience but also reinforce the project's integration with its ecological context, promoting sustainability and a respect for local traditions.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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