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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
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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.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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