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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 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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