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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Serene Tea Retreat

Authors:
Daniel Derflinger, Maximilian Weinöhl, Mantas Indriliunas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Serene Tea Retreat

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades harmonize with terraced tea fields to create a tranquil retreat, inviting visitors to engage with the cultural practice of tea preparation and cultivation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to create a sustainable and lightweight structural system.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light and panoramic views of the tea fields.
04
Interactive brewing areas encourage visitor participation in traditional tea-making rituals.
05
Terraced agricultural design integrates seamlessly with the local landscape, promoting ecological balance.
The architectural project titled "From Nature to Tea" embodies a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between architecture, culture, and nature through its integration of a tea house and surrounding tea fields. This design seeks to create an inviting environment that serves not only as a place to enjoy tea but also as a space for community engagement and connection to the natural landscape. At its core, the project represents a sanctuary that allows individuals to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while emphasizing the cultural significance of tea in the region.

The architectural design balances functionality with aesthetic simplicity, skillfully zoning various areas to cater to distinct activities. The ground floor is organized to encourage hands-on participation with tea production, featuring spaces for sorting and drying tea alongside workshops for visitors to engage with the cultivation process. This configuration emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and highlights the therapeutic nature of interacting with both the land and the craft of tea-making.

Above the ground floor, the first floor encompasses accommodations and communal areas, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the experience of living among the tea fields. The arrangement fosters social interaction while prioritizing comfort, ensuring that spaces are tailored for relaxation and connection with others. The cleverly designed tea house acts as a focal point of the entire project, embodying the traditional rituals associated with tea preparation and consumption. Its layout features a central preparation area that encourages participation, transforming the act of brewing tea into a shared experience that can be appreciated in both solitude and community.

A notable aspect of this architectural design is its commitment to sustainability, artists' and architects' increasing focus on building practices that prioritize ecological stewardship. The choice of materials reflects this ethos, as natural, locally sourced elements such as wood, glass, and stone harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The use of wood creates a warm atmosphere, while glass enhances connectivity with nature by allowing abundant sunlight and providing uninterrupted views of the tea fields. Stone materials might serve as foundational elements or landscape features, reinforcing the project’s grounding in the environment.

The unique design approaches of "From Nature to Tea" include its emphasis on cultural integration and sensory experiences. By promoting active engagement with the landscape, the project encourages users to connect on a deeper level, awakening their senses to the sights, sounds, and aromas of tea cultivation. This interaction is not just about consumption; it underscores the process and journey of tea-making, fostering a community identity built around shared experiences.

Furthermore, this architectural endeavor serves as a model for future designs that embrace sustainability and foster interpersonal connections through meaningful architectural experiences. By thoughtfully combining the elements of nature, community, and cultural practices, the project exemplifies the potential for architecture to play a vital role in enhancing individuals' lives.

For those interested in diving deeper into the architectural concepts and nuances of this project, exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insight into its innovative ideas and thoughtful execution. Engaging with these materials will enhance the understanding of how architecture can effectively bridge the gap between human experience and nature, enriching our interactions with both.
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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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