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Terracotta Walls and Curvilinear Shapes in a Versatile Guest House Design

Authors:
Jing Ye, Xuechen Cao, Sijia Song, Yumeng Wu
Terracotta Walls and Curvilinear Shapes in a Versatile Guest House Design
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Curvilinear terracotta walls create an adaptable living environment that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, serving as a multifunctional guest house designed for seasonal use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear walls adapt to seasonal weather conditions, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
02
Terracotta materials reflect local architectural heritage while providing thermal insulation.
03
The layout encourages seamless transitions between indoor living and outdoor spaces.
04
Multipurpose rooms allow for flexible functionality catering to diverse activities.
05
Natural lighting strategies optimize energy use and enhance the overall ambiance.

### Overview
Located in Portugal's scenic landscape, Casa, Getaway—The Olive Guest House Design introduces an interpretation of the traditional residential pavilion through contemporary architectural principles. The intent is to establish a versatile space that aligns with the surrounding environment while combining aesthetic appeal with functional adaptability to meet the diverse needs of its users.

### Materiality and Craftsmanship
The design emphasizes the use of terracotta, brick, and wood, resulting in a coherent architectural language that resonates with the area's cultural heritage. Terracotta provides thermal insulation and an earthy aesthetic, while brick is employed in innovative patterns to enhance structural integrity and visual interest. Wood elements introduce warmth, fostering a connection to the natural setting and contributing to sustainability through its renewable nature.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout facilitates a dynamic engagement between indoor and outdoor environments. Curvilinear building lines follow the undulating topography, ensuring integration with the landscape, while adaptable walls allow for modulation of natural light and thermal comfort based on seasonal changes. Common areas are designed for multifunctionality, enabling diverse uses throughout the year, from creative pursuits in the spring to winter gatherings. Outdoor corridors and gathering spaces encourage a lifestyle that values nature, enhancing the overall user experience within the guest house. Each elevation reflects meticulous attention to materiality and light management, contributing to a harmonious living experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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