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Angular Wood Forms Embracing Nature in a Tea-Focused Retreat

Authors:
Cole Southam, Gorgin Fazli
Angular Wood Forms Embracing Nature in a Tea-Focused Retreat

Project in-detail

With angular wood forms that reflect the contours of the Camellia sinensis plant, the design creates a functional retreat for tea culture within a sustainable framework in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural wood forms mimic the shape of the Camellia sinensis plant.
02
Multi-level design integrates living areas with functional tea spaces.
03
Atrium serves as a central point for light and interaction.
04
Outdoor balcony enhances connection with the natural surroundings.
05
Dedicated areas for tea drying and packaging promote local culture.

The Tea Makers Guest House is located in a lush forested area of Latvia. It serves a dual purpose as both a retreat for visitors and a center for learning about tea culture. The design focuses on sustainability and functionality, integrating with the natural surroundings while offering a unique architectural presence that reflects local traditions.

Architectural Layout

The guest house is arranged over three levels, each thoughtfully designed for its specific functions. The main floor consists of essential service areas, including a covered entrance, an atrium, closet space, storage, and facilities for tea drying and packaging. This layout supports efficient movement and interaction, allowing smooth transitions for both tea production and guest activities.

Living Spaces

On the second floor, the design accommodates living spaces that blend privacy with community. A private bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom, while a shared common area caters to group activities and gatherings. This setup promotes social interaction among guests while also providing spaces for personal relaxation, meeting the needs of both individual visitors and groups.

Functional Areas

The third floor focuses on educational and communal spaces that emphasize the art of tea making. It features an area dedicated to tea preparation, additional common areas, a dining room, kitchen, and an outdoor balcony. The balcony provides an inviting connection to the outside, encouraging guests to engage with the natural landscape and enjoy moments of tranquility.

Design Aesthetic

The design employs angular wooden forms that echo the shapes of the Camellia sinensis plant. This choice of materials aligns with the goals of sustainability, creating a connection to the environment. The overall design balances functionality and visual appeal. It offers spaces that encourage interaction and enrich the experience of visitors interested in learning about tea culture.

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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

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