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Sustainable Glass Facades and Plaster Walls Define a Community-Focused Olive Retreat

Authors:
Matteo Legnani, Nicholas Pallavicini
Sustainable Glass Facades and Plaster Walls Define a Community-Focused Olive Retreat
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Constructed with sustainable plaster and expansive glass facades, the guest house immerses visitors in the olive oil culture of Portugal while serving as a versatile hub for tasting and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local plaster panels for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a unique spiral staircase as a focal design element.
03
Features large glass facades to optimize natural light and views.
04
Designed as a communal hub for olive oil tastings and workshops.
05
Integrates rock wool insulation for superior soundproofing and comfort.

## Overview

Situated in Portugal’s olive-producing region, Famiglia Verde’s Olive Guest House embodies a commitment to sustainable architecture while celebrating the local olive oil culture. This design serves both as a guest accommodation and a hub for cultural exchange, allowing visitors to explore and engage with the rich heritage surrounding olive production. The project emphasizes a connection to its geographic context through careful consideration of materials, spatial organization, and functionality, all aimed at providing a meaningful experience for guests.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the guest house is meticulously organized to balance communal interaction with personal privacy. A central multipurpose space functions as both a tasting room and a venue for workshops, fostering connections among guests and locals. Private accommodations are designed to ensure tranquility, while a dedicated community space encourages social engagement, reinforcing a sense of belonging. The design reflects a clear intention to integrate various uses within distinct zones, promoting an inviting atmosphere throughout the structure.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials within the Olive Guest House is rooted in local resources and sustainable practices. Plaster panels form the walls, providing thermal insulation and contributing to the visual appeal. Rock wool insulation enhances soundproofing and energy efficiency, while the structural integrity is ensured through the use of cast-in-place concrete walls. High-density insulation panels support energy conservation objectives, and wooden elements enhance warmth in the interior spaces, aligning with the olive theme. Extensive glass facades increase natural light and blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, allowing for expansive views of the surrounding olive groves.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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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