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Blackened Aspen and Solid Oak Barn with Dedicated Tea-Making Space

Authors:
Jack Sykes, Adam Britnell
Blackened Aspen and Solid Oak Barn with Dedicated Tea-Making Space

Project in-detail

A dedicated tea-making area complements the solid oak and blackened aspen barn extension, creating a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern living within the serene Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dedicated tea-making area with ten specific processing stages.
02
Glass walkway bridges the original barn and new living spaces.
03
Heavy timber doors connect modern elements to historical context.
04
Local stone serves as a boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Integration of wellness-focused areas for meditation and relaxation.

The design focuses on the extension and restoration of a stone barn owned by the Ozolini family in Latvia. This project combines modern architectural elements with the existing structure, highlighting a connection between the old and the new. The aim is to create a space that honors traditional practices, like herbal tea-making, while providing a comfortable living environment.

Conceptual Framework
The layout consists of various well-defined areas that promote interaction among guests. It encourages movement between indoor spaces and semi-exterior areas, enhancing the overall experience. A glass walkway links the original barn to the new living spaces, allowing natural light to enter and connecting the building visually with the surrounding landscape.

Functional Spaces
The design includes a dedicated area for tea-making with ten specific stages. This focus on tea-making reflects the cultural importance of herbal tea in the local community and invites guests to engage with nature. Public areas facilitate social interactions, while adaptable semi-exterior courtyards provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation.

Material Details
Materials are chosen to create a unified look and ensure durability. Solid oak is prominently used, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Blackened aspen and warm larch cover the interior, offering a cozy feel and contrasting with the existing stone walls. Locally sourced stone serves as a transition between the glass walkway and living spaces, reinforcing a connection to the local environment.

Striking Features
Heavy timber doors connect the new elements to the historical barn, maintaining a sense of its past. Large glass openings allow ample views of the natural surroundings, letting guests feel at home among the landscape. Each detail is carefully considered, resulting in an inviting space that respects its history while meeting modern needs.

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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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