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Sustainable Living in the Apulian Countryside With Olive Wood and Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Marianna Mancini, Francesco Di Paola De Gaetani, Giorgio Barba, Michele Tota
Sustainable Living in the Apulian Countryside With Olive Wood and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced olive wood and integrating natural ventilation, the design reinterprets traditional forms to create a compact micro-home that addresses contemporary sustainability needs in the Apulian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes olive wood sourced directly from local groves affected by Xylella fastidiosa.
02
Incorporates a unique roof design that enhances natural ventilation for energy efficiency.
03
Features modular construction, allowing for flexibility and future adaptation of living space.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Showcases a slate-like facade that offers both weather resistance and aesthetic continuity.

## Overview

Located in the Apulian countryside amidst ancient olive groves, the micro-home O-live addresses urgent agricultural challenges, notably the impact of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. This design integrates modern amenities with principles of sustainability and adaptability, aiming to revitalize the rural landscape. The structure serves as a contemporary response to local environmental issues while fostering a connection between inhabitants and their natural surroundings.

## Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of O-live prioritizes functionality and aesthetic experience, featuring a living area that maximizes natural light through expansive glass windows that frame views of the landscape. The kitchen and dining spaces are designed to encourage community interaction while offering a practical layout. The sleeping quarters maintain a compact, comfortable design that establishes an organic connection to the exterior. A central service block consolidates essential amenities, promoting an efficient spatial flow that supports multifunctionality in response to users' varying needs.

## Materiality and Construction Techniques

The material palette prominently features olive wood and concrete, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability. Olive wood, sourced locally, is chosen for its durability and thermal comfort, while concrete serves as the structural backbone, designed with energy-efficient insulation. The construction is executed in phases to minimize waste and utilize local resources effectively. A distinctive roof design enhances natural ventilation and thermoregulation, while the facade's slate-like appearance not only contributes to the home's modern aesthetic but also ensures resilience against weather and thermal regulation. The incorporation of modular techniques allows for adaptability, enabling future expansions or adjustments to meet changing needs.

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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

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