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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

Project in-detail

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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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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