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Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Walls Enhancing a Sustainable Tea-Making Guesthouse

Authors:
Bar Levy, David Donley
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Walls Enhancing a Sustainable Tea-Making Guesthouse

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and stone walls, the design harmonizes traditional materiality with sustainable practices to create an engaging guesthouse dedicated to tea-making experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and natural weather resistance.
02
Incorporates reclaimed wood throughout the interior to promote sustainability and local craftsmanship.
03
Features large glass panels to maximize natural light and integrate indoor spaces with the landscape.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability while maintaining an open feel.
05
Includes a dedicated tea workshop that provides hands-on learning experiences for guests.
The Twin Huts project is an architectural initiative located in Latvia, designed as a guesthouse for tea makers. The architecture reflects an integration of traditional and modern design principles, utilizing an existing stone barn structure as a foundation for the contemporary elements. This approach not only aims to preserve historical context but also establishes a sustainable infrastructure tailored for educational and functional purposes.

The project serves multiple functions. Primarily, it provides accommodations for guests interested in tea-making practices, along with a dedicated workspace for processing and drying tea. The layout promotes interaction with the local environment while emphasizing a connection to Latvian cultural heritage through its materiality and form.

Design Integration of Tradition and Modernity

A notable feature of the Twin Huts project is the careful balance between preserving the original stone barn and incorporating modern materials and techniques. The design employs reclaimed wood for interior finishes, promoting sustainability while enhancing the warmth of the space. Expansive glass panels are utilized to facilitate natural lighting and create seamless connections between interior and exterior environments. The choice of materials not only resonates with the agricultural landscape but also aligns with sustainable building practices.

One of the unique aspects of this project is its energy-efficient design. The building's orientation and roof slope are optimized for passive solar gain, minimizing energy consumption. Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof significantly contribute to the energy needs of the guesthouse, producing approximately 86 kWh per day. This commitment to energy efficiency adds to the project's overall sustainability goals.

Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

The spatial organization of Twin Huts is carefully curated to foster interaction among its users. The ground level accommodates the tea-making workshop and drying area, equipping guests with hands-on experience. Above this functional zone are the guest rooms and communal areas, designed to be visually connected to the landscape through large windows. This layout is intended to provide a sense of openness and engagement with the surrounding environment.

Additionally, the separate structures grouped together allow for improved energy management, a seldom-considered detail in many contemporary hospitality designs. The community spaces invite collaboration and learning, supporting the overarching mission of the project to connect visitors with local tea culture.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that shaped the Twin Huts project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation. Each element contributes to a comprehensive understanding of its functional and aesthetic attributes within the context of modern sustainable architecture.
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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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