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Charred Timber Pavilions Integrating Natural Light in a Workshop Retreat

Author:
Maximilian Cooke
Charred Timber Pavilions Integrating Natural Light in a Workshop Retreat
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Charred timber pavilions blend with a historic stone barn, utilizing natural light and outdoor spaces to create an engaging environment for workshops and retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Refurbished stone barn integrated with modern pavilions.
02
Utilizes charred timber cladding for durability and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates skylights to enhance natural lighting in workspaces.
04
Features a sunken outdoor seating area around a fire pit.
05
Designed with semi-enclosed courtyards for social interaction.

The Teamakers Guest House is located at Ozolini Farm in Latvia and serves as both a workshop for small teams and a retreat for larger groups. The design focuses on enhancing functionality while promoting social interaction among users. A refurbished stone barn acts as the main structure, housing teamaking areas organized into separate zones. Complementing the barn are three new pavilions that integrate with the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Layout

The stone barn plays a central role in the overall design, accommodating various teamaking activities. Inside, the layout is arranged to support different workshops, ensuring a comfortable experience for users. The three new pavilions are designed in an open plan, featuring two semi-enclosed courtyards. This layout encourages communication and provides flexibility for multiple uses, making the space adaptable to different needs.

Natural Lighting

One important feature of the design is the inclusion of natural light in the teamaking areas. Skylights in the new barn roof allow sunlight to illuminate the workspace effectively. This not only enhances visibility but also connects the interior environment with the outdoors, improving the atmosphere inside. By bringing in natural light, the design creates a more inviting and pleasant environment for users throughout the day.

Outdoor Spaces

The outdoor area includes a sunken seating space around a fire pit, which promotes socialization and relaxation. Surrounded by an open timber pergola, this space extends the living area beyond the walls of the barn and pavilions. It encourages users to enjoy their surroundings, blurring the lines between inside and outside. The arrangement of these areas enhances the overall communal feel of the guest house, making it easier for groups to gather.

Material Choices

Materials play a crucial role in the visual and physical aspects of the new pavilions. Charred timber cladding adds a natural look while providing durability against the weather. The roofing uses black zinc, which allows the structures to blend with the forest backdrop. These choices offer both functionality and a pleasing appearance, emphasizing the connection to the local environment.

The design thoughtfully addresses the needs of its users and the landscape, with details like the pergola providing a thoughtful link to nature. Such features enhance user experience and underscore the emphasis on community within the guest house.

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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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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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