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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Framing Create a Mindful Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Author:
David Holland
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Framing Create a Mindful Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber framing, the design harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings to serve as a tranquil retreat for tea makers and visitors seeking mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that support a lightweight yet robust structure.
03
Designed with an open-plan layout that fosters community interaction among guests.
04
Strategically placed large windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Integrates flexible spaces suitable for various tea-making workshops and communal activities.
The Teamaker's Guesthouse is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that encapsulates a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic harmony within its natural surroundings. Situated near a tranquil lake and surrounded by lush woodlands, the guesthouse embodies a deep respect for its environment and offers visitors a space of refuge and reflection. At its core, the project represents an exploration of mindfulness and connectivity—both with nature and among individuals. The guesthouse functions as a retreat designed not only for tea makers but also for their visitors, fostering an atmosphere that encourages communal engagement and self-exploration.

Key to the architectural design is the deliberate separation of spaces, which allows for both private retreats and communal interaction. The layout consists of distinct zones, including an open-plan living area that integrates seamlessly with the kitchen and dining spaces, serving as the heart of the guesthouse. This design promotes a sense of togetherness among guests while also providing personal areas for solitude. The bedrooms are strategically placed to ensure privacy and tranquility, allowing guests to unwind and recharge.

The guesthouse showcases an array of important architectural elements that further highlight its thoughtful design. A central feature is the large windows and glass doors, which enhance interior-exterior connectivity by flooding the living spaces with natural light and framing views of the beautiful landscape. These design choices ensure that indoor environments remain fresh and inviting, blurring the lines between the internal and external realms. The incorporation of outdoor terraces enhances the overall experience, providing spaces for guests to dine or socialize while immersed in the scenic surroundings.

Materials play a central role in the architecture of the Teamaker's Guesthouse. The extensive use of timber throughout the framework creates warmth and aligns with sustainable design principles, ensuring that the materials resonate harmoniously with the natural setting. Elements such as stone walls serve as structural and aesthetic anchors, offering permanence and stability to the overall design. In addition, steel roof panels provide resilience and a contemporary touch, balancing the organic qualities of the wooden structures. Plaster finishes lend a clean and refined texture to the interiors, emphasizing a minimalist approach that complements the broader design ethos.

The project also distinguishes itself through its unique design approaches. Lightweight structures within the community spaces allow for flexibility, accommodating various activities and fostering an atmosphere of adaptability. The workshop areas are designed to facilitate communal tea-making activities, where guests can engage with each other and the natural world around them. This nurturing of a shared experience is a principle that informs every aspect of the guesthouse's design.

The strategic placement of the guesthouse takes full advantage of its geographical context, offering guests unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape while minimizing disruption to the existing environment. The integration of native planting in the landscaping design further enhances this connection to the outdoors, creating a sensory-rich experience that invites exploration and reflection.

Overall, the Teamaker's Guesthouse exemplifies a cohesive architectural vision that respects both its functional requirements and its natural setting. Its focus on environmental integration, materiality, and community engagement reflects a thoughtful approach to design that invites visitors to immerse themselves fully in their surroundings. For those interested in exploring the details of this project further, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs, we encourage you to delve into the project presentation to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas and craftsmanship behind this unique architectural 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
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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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