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Charred Timber and Green Roofs in a Functional Guest House for Tea Makers

Authors:
Aya Alkhatib, Zaina Hamam
Charred Timber and Green Roofs in a Functional Guest House for Tea Makers

Project in-detail

Designed with charred timber and a green roof, the guest house provides a functional space for tea makers that harmonizes tradition with modern sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Guest house incorporates a green roof with planting boxes for biodiversity.
02
Design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces for enhanced occupant experience.
03
Charred timber façade creates a unique aesthetic while improving durability.
04
Monostory floor is set one meter below ground for a cozy atmosphere.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and provide insulation.

Metamorphosis is a sustainable guest house designed for tea makers, located in a setting that appreciates traditional tea-making practices alongside modern living arrangements. The intent is to create a space that supports both work and relaxation while paying homage to the cultural heritage of tea making. By blending traditional and modern elements, the design reflects an ongoing journey of growth and adaptation.

Design Concept
The design retains much of the original character, which serves as an acknowledgment of the history tied to tea making. This combination of traditional and contemporary elements represents a balance between heritage and the present day. Varied indoor and outdoor spaces invite a deep connection with the surrounding environment. Here, residents find a calming retreat from the noisy urban landscape.

Spatial Organization
Thoughtful spatial arrangement allows for clear division between work and leisure activities. This zoning enhances productivity in the tea-making process while creating common areas for social interaction. The layout encourages movement between indoors and outdoors, so nature becomes an important feature of daily life. Such integration enhances usability and provides a rich sensory experience.

Sustainability and Materiality
Sustainability serves as a core principle in the design. The roof incorporates solar panels, providing shade and harnessing energy to support the guest house's needs. Green boxes filled with plants add an element of nature, further connecting the building to its environment. The selection of materials emphasizes low maintenance, incorporating charred timber, CLT panels, exposed metal, and polycarbonate. These choices contribute to an appealing aesthetic while maintaining durability against environmental factors.

Architectural Detailing
The design achieves a unique volumetric quality through the lowering of the monostory floor to one meter below ground level. This choice creates a cozy atmosphere while allowing ample natural light to fill the space. The integration of natural materials and careful design details enhances usability, ensuring the guest house functions well while respecting the traditions of tea makers. Every corner invites exploration and interaction, creating a space that is both practical and rooted in 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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