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A Renovated Guest House Integrating Terrace and Modern Annex

Author:
Denis Avakov
A Renovated Guest House Integrating Terrace and Modern Annex
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Constructed with a blend of timber framework and durable natural stone, the modern guest house seamlessly integrates an open terrace, offering a connection to the surrounding landscape while providing comfortable accommodations year-round.
5 key facts about this project
01
A blend of timber framework and natural stone enhances durability and aesthetic cohesion.
02
The open terrace design provides shade and strengthens indoor-outdoor connectivity.
03
Interior spaces are reimagined to offer comfort for both summer and winter use.
04
The structure retains its original facade, honoring the building's historical significance.
05
A modernized annex features a double-height living area for an expanded sense of space.

The study on the Ozolini farm, located about 100 km from Riga in Latvia, involves turning a historical stone shed from 1850 into a modern guest house. The design focuses on keeping the essence of the original building while adding features that improve its usability. It illustrates how traditional architecture can mix with current living needs, reflecting a growing awareness of preserving history in new constructions.

Terrace Integration

An open terrace with a canopy has been added to what was once the broken-down area of the shed. This outdoor space provides shade and comfort, making it usable throughout the different seasons. The terrace effectively connects the inside of the guest house with the outside, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Preservation and Transformation

The second part of the design places importance on maintaining the original facade while making significant changes inside. This section has been transformed to become a comfortable living area suitable for summer and winter use. The balance between keeping historical features and updating the interior highlights the design’s respect for its past and its adaptation to modern life.

Modernized Annex

The last section consists of a modern annex that features a double-height living area combined with a kitchen. This setup encourages interaction and socializing, creating an open and airy feel. The design meets contemporary lifestyle requirements, offering a functional and welcoming environment for users.

Material Considerations

Natural stone and timber are key materials used in the guest house. The timber enhances the connection between the structure and its natural environment, contributing to the overall visual consistency. The stone provides strength and durability, ensuring the building withstands the elements over time.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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