Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Underground Cellar and Terracotta Facades Enhance Olive Oil Tasting Retreat

Authors:
Julia Mainenti, Ivana Jordanovska
Underground Cellar and Terracotta Facades Enhance Olive Oil Tasting Retreat

Project in-detail

An underground cellar complements terracotta facades in a design that prioritizes energy efficiency and natural light, creating a distinct retreat for olive oil tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an underground cellar for optimal olive oil storage and natural cooling.
02
Features terracotta facades that blend with the local landscape.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
04
Design includes vertical gardens that improve air quality and biodiversity.
05
Employs a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and views.

### Overview
Located in Portugal, the Oliveira House serves as a multifunctional facility dedicated to olive oil tasting and leisure. The design synthesizes traditional Portuguese architectural principles with modern aesthetics, striving to cultivate an authentic relationship with the natural environment. The project thoughtfully incorporates local cultural elements and environmental factors to create a cohesive space that enhances its picturesque context.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The architectural layout is centered around a communal gathering area, designed to facilitate social interaction while promoting a connection to the outdoor landscape. A clear division between public and private areas enhances the user experience, accommodating both social and contemplative activities. Two distinct gardens further enrich the environment: one space intended for social gatherings and another designed for reflection and tranquility. This duality allows visitors to engage with the setting in diverse ways, enhancing the overall function of the house.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The construction employs a careful selection of materials that promote sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Predominantly featuring wood for structural integrity and warmth, the design integrates terracotta tiles that complement the existing landscape. Expansive glass panels provide natural illumination and allow for uninterrupted views of the surroundings. Insulation components are strategically utilized to optimize energy efficiency and comfort. This commitment to sustainable practices reflects an ecological sensitivity that aligns with contemporary architectural discourse, demonstrating respect for both craft and context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy