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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Frame a Nature-Focused Retreat

Authors:
Hyosil Yang, Juyoun Shin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Frame a Nature-Focused Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a seamless connection with nature while serving as a multifunctional retreat for visitors and tea-makers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and fit with the landscape.
04
Integrates dedicated workshop spaces for tea-making adjacent to meditation areas.
05
Preserves existing stone walls to maintain historical context while blending with modern materials.
The Ozolini guesthouse project is an architectural undertaking designed to serve as a retreat for visitors and tea-makers in the picturesque Latvian landscape. The structure emphasizes a strong connection to its natural surroundings, promoting both relaxation and engagement with the environment. The project integrates modern design with local traditions and materials to create a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The main function of the guesthouse is to provide accommodations that foster community and individual reflection. The design consists of a workshop space for tea-making, meditation areas, and guest rooms, all thoughtfully integrated to enhance the visitor experience. The careful spatial organization facilitates interactions among users while also allowing for private moments of contemplation.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project, as it utilizes wood, stone, glass, and concrete. These materials not only contribute to the aesthetic but also reflect sustainability principles. The use of local resources helps to maintain a connection to the site’s history while adapting to contemporary needs. The existing stone walls have been preserved, creating a dialogue between past and present within the architecture.

A key feature that sets the Ozolini guesthouse apart is its focus on framing views of nature. The design seeks to enhance the relationship between the visitors and the surrounding landscape, allowing for varying experiences as users move through the space. This approach invites visitors to engage with natural elements, fostering mindfulness and appreciation for the environment during their stay.

The relationship between distinct areas within the guesthouse is intentionally designed to promote flow and interaction. The communal workshop area is centrally located, linking various functional zones such as packing and drying rooms while also providing a connection to the meditation area. The upper floor accommodates guest rooms that are strategically placed to maximize views and natural light, reinforcing the project’s thematic focus on the natural surroundings.

Sustainability is a core principle underpinning the project’s execution. The architect’s choice of materials not only prioritizes local sourcing but also emphasizes durability and minimal environmental impact. The thoughtful layout, which integrates green spaces and allows for natural ventilation, contributes to an overall eco-conscious design strategy.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shape the Ozolini guesthouse project, a deeper examination of its presentation is encouraged. This analysis illustrates the project’s emphasis on creating an inviting space that respects both tradition and the environment, offering an engaging experience tailored to its users.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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