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Connecting Nature Through Apple Trees and a Pagoda Roof in a Tea-Making Guesthouse

Author:
Gwangmin Lee
Connecting Nature Through Apple Trees and a Pagoda Roof in a Tea-Making Guesthouse
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The integration of apple trees within a pagoda-shaped roof defines a guesthouse that invites guests to engage deeply with the local tradition of tea-making while promoting sustainability and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates apple trees within the tea-making space for sustainable ingredient sourcing.
02
Features a pagoda-shaped roof that reflects local architectural traditions.
03
Uses large windows and folding doors to enhance natural light and airflow.
04
Design integrates outdoor decks for tea drying and social interaction.
05
Vertical spatial changes create dynamic movement and flow between areas.

The TEAMAKERS GUEST HOUSE is located in Ozolini, a region known for its dense forests and strong tradition of tea-making. The design is focused on creating a space that is sustainable and encourages visitors to connect with nature. By highlighting the process of tea-making, the guest house embraces local culture while ensuring that light and wind play significant roles in the visitor experience.

Design Concept

The concept centers around tea-making as the main theme, integrating it into the overall layout. A central tea-making area takes precedence in the design, with surrounding spaces organized to support this traditional practice. This structure reflects the importance of tea in the local community, allowing guests to engage meaningfully with the culinary heritage of the area.



Spatial Organization

The guest house features open spaces enhanced by large windows and folding doors, which allow for ample natural light and fresh air. This design choice creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors, as they can easily connect with the outdoors. Outdoor decks provide functional areas for drying tea and opportunities for social interaction, encouraging guests to enjoy each other's company while surrounded by nature.



Architectural Aesthetics

A pagoda-shaped roof distinguishes the guest house, resonating with local architectural traditions. This design element offers a unique visual appeal that ties back to the cultural context of the region. It provides shelter while adding character to the building, embodying the blend of contemporary design and historical influence.



Verticality and Flow

Vertical spatial changes are purposefully integrated to establish a rhythm throughout the guest house. By incorporating varying floor heights, the layout allows for an engaging movement between spaces. The main living area flows into corridors that lead to guest rooms, facilitating exploration and enhancing the interaction between visitors and their environment.



In the tea-making space, the presence of apple trees highlights a commitment to sustainability. These trees not only serve as sources of fresh ingredients but also make use of discarded leaves for organic manure. This ecological approach reinforces the focus on environmental responsibility while celebrating local resources.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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