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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Blending into Latvia's Landscape

Author:
Minkyu Choung
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Blending into Latvia's Landscape

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the guesthouse embodies a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship while providing a serene retreat that harmonizes with Latvia's natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The guesthouse incorporates reclaimed stone from local structures, preserving cultural heritage while minimizing waste.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic, enhancing durability and sustainability.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels create structural strength while offering a lightweight solution that reduces the overall carbon footprint.
04
Generous use of glass facades maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views, promoting a connection with the surrounding landscape.
05
An open-plan layout encourages collaboration and community among guests, fostering an environment for creativity and engagement.
The Teamakers Guesthouse is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated in the lush landscapes of Latvia, embodying a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. This guesthouse serves as an exemplary model of how contemporary architecture can harmonize with nature while providing functional spaces for its occupants. The project functions primarily as a retreat, encouraging collaboration among visitors in a setting that prioritizes personal interaction and connection to the environment.

At the core of the Teamakers Guesthouse is the concept of reusing materials and embracing eco-friendly construction practices. The architectural design utilizes locally sourced stone, wood, glass, and metal, creating a building that is not only aesthetically pleasing but environmentally responsible. The hallmark of the design is its emphasis on natural integration. The structure’s curvilinear form, complemented by angular volumes, creates a distinctive silhouette that responds to the surrounding landscape, enhancing visitors' experience as they engage with both the architecture and the outdoors.

The construction of the guesthouse is characterized by substantial glass facades that foster transparency and connectivity with the scenery. This use of glass allows copious amounts of sunlight to enter, illuminating the interior spaces and promoting a sense of openness that invites nature inside. The interior layout is structured to provide communal spaces, such as a central living area, kitchen, and dedicated workspaces, fostering interaction among guests. Alongside these shared areas, the guesthouse includes private quarters designed for rest and relaxation, carefully balancing communal living with personal space.

One of the unique design approaches of the Teamakers Guesthouse lies in its innovative use of natural elements. The placement of windows is meticulously planned to encourage cross-ventilation and optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and heating. The integration of garden spaces within the interior and around the building enhances the overall aesthetic and promotes biodiversity, encouraging a cohabitation of architecture and nature.

Additionally, the project demonstrates a conscious effort to mitigate its environmental impact through the reuse of existing materials from local surroundings. By incorporating reclaimed stone and timber, the architect has preserved elements of local heritage while minimizing waste. This approach speaks to modern architectural ideals that prioritize sustainability, demonstrating how design can reflect and respect its context.

The Teamakers Guesthouse not only serves as a physical refuge for guests but also as a beacon for future developments in sustainable architecture. By focusing on reducing energy consumption and emphasizing local resources, the project inspires a more thoughtful approach to building and space utilization that can be replicated in various contexts.

Overall, the Teamakers Guesthouse represents a significant step towards a future where architecture is firmly rooted in environmental stewardship. It showcases how contemporary design can create spaces that encourage community, foster creativity, and respect the natural world. Readers interested in exploring the architectural ideas and intricate details of this project are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs for a more comprehensive understanding of this impactful endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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