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Charred Timber Cladding And Natural Stone Integration For Collaborative Retreat Spaces

Author:
Maximilian Cooke
Charred Timber Cladding And Natural Stone Integration For Collaborative Retreat Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred timber cladding envelops a renovated stone barn, creating a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and local materials that support collaborative work and group retreats in Latvia's serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber cladding enhances durability and weather resistance.
02
Natural stone elements maintain a connection to the site's historical context.
03
Large windows provide extensive views while maximizing natural light.
04
The layout promotes collaboration through open teaming areas and flexible spaces.
05
The integration of outdoor seating fosters community engagement around a fire pit.

The Teamakers Guest House located at Ozolini Farm in Latvia is a contemporary architectural project designed to serve as both a retreat for small groups and a versatile workspace. This guest house integrates modern design elements with a respect for the surrounding landscape and historical context, creating a cohesive environment that supports collaboration and communal engagement.

The architectural design is characterized by its strategic layout that includes communal teaming areas, guest accommodations, and outdoor spaces. At the core of the project lies a refurbished stone barn, which has been adapted into a central meeting place. The upper level features three guest rooms that provide scenic views and direct access to natural light through large windows. The design fosters a sense of connection between the indoors and outdoors, featuring a sunken seating area with a fire pit that promotes social interaction among visitors.

Innovative Design Approaches

The Teamakers Guest House employs unique design strategies that differentiate it from typical hospitality projects. One significant aspect is the combination of preservation and modern intervention. By retaining the existing stone barn structure, the project maintains a connection to the area's historical roots while introducing contemporary additions that enhance functionality and aesthetics. The architectural form uses a simple massing strategy, optimizing the spatial flow and connectivity between various zones within the guest house.

Materials selected for this project emphasize durability and sustainability. The exterior cladding is comprised of charred timber, which not only provides a modern look but also ensures resistance to weathering and decay. Black zinc roofing complements the cladding, giving texture and depth to the overall appearance. Internally, natural stone and warm timber finishes create inviting environments that reflect a connection to the natural surroundings. The strategic placement of large windows allows for plentiful natural light, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy efficiency.

Functionality and Spatial Organization

The Teamakers Guest House is organized into distinct areas that cater to various uses. Teaming areas within the barn facilitate collaboration, while the guest rooms offer private retreats for visitors. This functional separation promotes both communal activities and individual privacy, crucial for a guest house setting. Outdoor spaces extend the living area beyond the interior, blending the architecture seamlessly with the landscape. The purpose of these outdoor environments is not only to provide leisure but also to encourage gatherings, reinforcing the project's emphasis on community and teamwork.

For those interested in exploring the architectural nuances further, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide additional insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped this project. The careful integration of functional spaces with the natural landscape underscores the project’s commitment to both user experience and environmental sustainability, making it a noteworthy study in contemporary architectural practices.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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