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Terracotta Textures and Plastered Concrete Define Sustainable Olive Grove Experience

Authors:
Csenge Gyorgyi, Balint Iszak
Terracotta Textures and Plastered Concrete Define Sustainable Olive Grove Experience

Project in-detail

Emphasizing terracotta textures and plastered concrete, the design creates a harmonious space that fosters community engagement and education in the olive oil production process.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on local materials, featuring terracotta bricks and plastered concrete.
02
Sunken tasting area enhances user engagement with the surrounding landscape.
03
Design integrates olive oil production education within a communal space.
04
Natural ventilation strategies optimize comfort and reduce energy use.
05
Outdoor communal courtyard fosters social interactions and cultural activities.

The architectural design project "A Day in the Olive Grove" is situated in Portugal, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural traditions, specifically focusing on olive cultivation. This project serves as a multifunctional space, designed for engaging with the olive oil production process and facilitating tastings. It combines practical production facilities with a visitor experience that celebrates local customs and the environment.

The project's layout centers around a tasting room, positioned as the focal point where visitors can participate in the olive oil tasting experience. This central area is supported by functional zones that include an olive storage facility, a wine cellar, and communal outdoor spaces. The arrangement of these elements promotes interaction among visitors while providing essential resources for local producers. By integrating educational aspects of olive oil production, the design enhances the overall visitor experience and fosters a deeper understanding of the landscape.

Material selection is critical in this project. Terracotta bricks are used extensively for both aesthetic and structural purposes, offering thermal mass which regulates interior temperatures. Plastered concrete is employed for walls and finishes, providing a modern touch that balances the rustic qualities of the terracotta. Wooden elements in the roofing structure add warmth and a sensory connection to the environment. This thoughtful use of materials aligns with the overall architectural vision by emphasizing both traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities.

Unique Design Approaches

A key aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainability and integration with the surrounding landscape. The building's orientation and large openings invite natural light, creating a relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. The sunken design of the tasting area fosters a more intimate engagement with the earth, enhancing the sensory experience. Additionally, the outdoors are cultivated with olive trees and green spaces, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the rural scenery.

The project deviates from typical agricultural facilities by merging agriculture with tourism and education. It effectively promotes an understanding of the local culture through architectural design, creating spaces that encourage social interaction and cultural exchange. The design serves both functional and educational purposes, distinguishing it from conventional facilities in the same domain.

Architectural Details and Space Utilization

Architectural details throughout the project reinforce its thematic focus on local heritage. Gabled roofs clad in terracotta tiles reflect traditional Portuguese architecture while ensuring efficient rainwater drainage. The use of natural ventilation strategies, along with the thoughtful layout, results in a comfortable environment for visitors and staff alike.

The outdoor courtyard enhances social gatherings and promotes interaction with the landscape, positioning the building as a community hub. By emphasizing the sensory experience of olive oil production and tasting, the design encourages a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural processes that underpin the local economy.

For further insights into the architectural ideas and detailed architectural plans, including sections and designs that illustrate the project's features, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of this architectural endeavor. Such details offer a clearer perception of the integration of function, sustainability, and traditional practices within the design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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