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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
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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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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.

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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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