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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 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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