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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

Project in-detail

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 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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