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Charred Wooden Shingles and Pine Interiors Create a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Author:
Jinju Jang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Pine Interiors Create a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, this tranquil retreat merges seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering a serene environment for wellness and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates indoor trees that enhance air quality and connect guests with nature.
02
Features seasonal design elements that adapt to the changing light and atmosphere throughout the year.
03
Utilizes local stone in flooring to create a sense of place and durability.
04
Includes expansive glass walls that blur the line between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Emphasizes communal spaces to foster interaction among guests while maintaining areas for personal reflection.
The Tea Maker Guest House is an architectural project that embodies a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. Located within a tranquil setting, this guest house serves as a retreat, designed for relaxation and renewal. The architecture represents a thoughtful exploration of how spaces can facilitate connection with the landscape while providing functionality for guests.

The primary function of the Tea Maker Guest House is to serve as a place for visitors to unwind and engage with both the environment and themselves. It provides versatile spaces, including accommodations, communal areas, and designated zones for wellness activities, such as yoga. The layout is meticulously organized to ensure that each area promotes a sense of comfort and an immersive experience with nature. The design encourages interaction among guests and supports a quiet retreat into individual reflection.

One of the notable aspects of the project is its commitment to integrating natural materials. The use of wood—specifically pine, oak, and walnut—creates a warm atmosphere that resonates with the natural setting. These materials are carefully selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their sustainability, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding environment. Additionally, stone elements provide durability while enhancing the organic feel of the interior spaces, making them inviting and grounded.

Large glass windows and sliding doors are strategically placed, ensuring that natural light floods the interiors while offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This design approach is crucial for blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor environments. By incorporating high windows and expansive glass surfaces, the architecture allows occupants to experience the changing light and seasons, further immersing them in the landscape throughout the year.

The project takes a holistic approach to seasonal adaptation. Within the architectural design, there is a consideration for how the guest house will respond to the nuances of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. For instance, in warmer months, the design invites outdoor engagement, whereas during winter, it offers a cozy refuge that promotes intimacy and introspection. This awareness of seasonal impact demonstrates an understanding of how the architecture can interact dynamically with its environment.

Landscaping plays a significant role in enhancing the guest house's appeal. Outdoor terraces and deck spaces are included to provide areas for contemplation and enjoyment of the nature that surrounds the building. The decision to incorporate trees into the structure itself showcases a unique design approach that emphasizes ecological awareness. This integration not only enhances air quality but also reinforces the narrative of coexistence with nature.

The Tea Maker Guest House’s architectural design embodies principles of simplicity, sustainability, and sensory engagement. It reflects an understanding of the profound influence that the surrounding environment has on human well-being. Each design decision—from material selection to spatial organization—has been made with careful consideration of how it contributes to a greater connection to the landscape and the overall experience of the guests.

For those interested in further exploring this project, the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas reveal a wealth of insights into the intent and creativity behind the Tea Maker Guest House. This case study offers a clear invitation for readers to engage more deeply with the architectural details and the philosophy that guides this impactful design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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