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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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