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Charred Cedar Facades and Panoramic Glass Blend in a Natural Retreat

Authors:
Daniel Garcia, Kurt Kimsey
Charred Cedar Facades and Panoramic Glass Blend in a Natural Retreat
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With charred cedar facades and operable panoramic glass walls, the design cultivates a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil retreat for reflection and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred cedar exterior enhances durability and weather resistance.
02
Operable panoramic glass walls create a continuous connection with nature.
03
Flexible configurations support various activities in the teahouse.
04
The bathhouse uses traditional wood fire heating for eco-friendly operations.
05
Cabin design includes retractable beds for maximizing space efficiency.

Ozolini Tea Guest House combines Latvian cultural heritage with a strong connection to nature. Located in the landscapes of northeast Latvia, the site offers a range of functions that include serving as a retreat and an educational space centered on traditional practices. The design concept focuses on creating a balanced relationship with the environment, allowing visitors to engage with nature and experience moments of reflection and renewal.

Brigita's Daylight Teahouse

Brigita's Daylight Teahouse reuses the foundation of an old barn, maintaining the landscape's integrity. By integrating a gable pavilion, the design creates a breezeway that links the indoors with the outdoor surroundings. This feature allows light and fresh air to flow into the space. The teahouse's flexible layout supports various activities, including tea-making workshops and social events, with movable panels that adjust to the required setting.

Anna's Heritage Bathhouse

The design of Anna's Heritage Bathhouse reflects the cultural significance of Latvian bathing traditions. It consists of flexible bathroom units, a pirts, or wet sauna, and an outdoor pool. This arrangement promotes both individual relaxation and communal interaction. The use of wood fire heating for the sauna and pool highlights a commitment to sustainability. This choice reduces the need for mechanical heating, connecting modern users to older practices.

Evita's Twilight Cabin

Evita's Twilight Cabin features large glass walls that connect the interior with the forest outside. The cabin is compact, measuring 12m², and is designed for quiet reflection. Beds that can be tucked away help make the most of the limited space. Storage solutions cater to outdoor activities, encouraging visitors to bike and hike in the surrounding area.

The overall design reflects sensitivity toward the landscape. Charred cedar is used on the exterior for durability, while the interior features light cedar or spruce, creating a warm atmosphere. This choice in materials supports both sustainability and comfort, adding to the retreat experience.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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