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Terracotta Roof and Olive Motif Blend in Sustainable Guest House Design

Author:
John Iacobacci
Terracotta Roof and Olive Motif Blend in Sustainable Guest House Design

Project in-detail

The integration of a terracotta roof and olive motif creates a distinctive aesthetic in a sustainable guest house designed for family gatherings and personal retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a terracotta roof that enhances thermal performance and aesthetic continuity with local architecture.
02
Features an olive motif that symbolizes peace and integrates with the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes concrete and wood framing to achieve structural integrity while maintaining a modern design.
04
Includes large glazed openings to optimize natural light and provide expansive views of the landscape.
05
Design includes a meditation space to promote relaxation and mindfulness for guests.

## Analytical Report on Verde Family Guest House

### Project Overview
Located in Portugal, the Verde Family Guest House integrates modern architecture with traditional Portuguese elements. The design reflects a commitment to environmental integration and community engagement, emphasizing both local cultural heritage and contemporary living requirements.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The guest house comprises two levels designed for distinct purposes. The upper level includes a mudroom, dining room, kitchen, living room, tasting room, and meditation space, arranged in an open layout that encourages social interaction while providing areas for quiet reflection. The lower level features en-suite bedrooms, a cellar, and storage spaces, ensuring a balance of comfort and privacy for guests. This thoughtful spatial division enhances user experiences, allowing for both communal gatherings and solitude.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A deliberate choice of materials contributes to the aesthetic and functional aspects of the guest house. Key components include a concrete footing and foundation wall for structural stability, combined with stone veneer that showcases local craftsmanship. The design incorporates energy-efficient features, such as rigid insulation and operable louvers for passive ventilation. Large glazed openings provide extensive views of the surrounding landscape while maximizing natural light, and a terracotta roof protects the structure while referencing traditional styles. Native vegetation integrated into the landscaping promotes environmental harmony and fosters guest interaction with the natural surroundings.

Overall, the Verde Family Guest House exemplifies a synthesis of innovative design, cultural acknowledgement, and sustainable practices.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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