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Utilization of Recycled Glass and Natural Limestone in Olive Oil Production Facility

Authors:
Suzan Amato, Ida Jonassen
Utilization of Recycled Glass and Natural Limestone in Olive Oil Production Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating recycled glass tiles and local limestone, this facility fosters a connection to Barreira's olive oil heritage while providing an educational space for cultivation and tasting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with local limestone, the facility minimizes environmental impact while maximizing aesthetic coherence with the region.
02
The use of recycled glass tiles enhances sustainability, showcasing innovative approaches to material reuse in construction.
03
Design incorporates a central courtyard, fostering community interaction and natural ventilation throughout the space.
04
A rooftop garden integrates agriculture and leisure, allowing for immersive experiences in nature during olive oil tastings.
05
Meditation rooms are strategically placed to promote mindfulness and connection with the surrounding landscape.

### Overview
Hora de Ouro is situated in Barreira, Portugal, and serves as a dedicated space for the cultivation and tasting of olive oil. The design is attentive to the region's natural topography and integrates contemporary aesthetics with functional requirements. This project aims to create an environment that reflects the cultural heritage of olive oil production while fostering sensory engagement with the associated experiences.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of Hora de Ouro features distinct areas designed to enhance user interaction while accommodating various activities. At the core of the design is a central courtyard that facilitates movement and encourages communal gatherings. The incorporation of large, rounded openings throughout the structure allows natural light to permeate interior spaces, enhancing visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the arrangement of private and communal spaces strikes a balance between providing privacy for individuals and encouraging social interaction among guests.

### Materiality
Material selections for Hora de Ouro prioritize sustainability and local relevance. The use of limestone lends a rustic aesthetic while ensuring structural durability. Oak wood is utilized in cabinetry and furniture to promote local craftsmanship, while cork, olive tree wood, and terracotta contribute to ecological friendliness and aesthetic warmth. Recycled bottle glass tiles introduce an artistic element that emphasizes innovation in sustainability. The integration of natural fibers and eco-friendly insulation further optimizes the building’s interior climate, aligning with local building practices and environmental considerations.

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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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