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Dark Flooring and Natural Light Enhance Communal Reflection in a Serene Retreat

Author:
Aaron Damian Ramirez Montero
Dark Flooring and Natural Light Enhance Communal Reflection in a Serene Retreat
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With dark flooring that grounds its interior and expansive light-filled spaces, the design creates a tranquil environment for communal reflection and tea preparation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The old barn serves as a symbolic threshold connecting past and present.
02
Dark flooring enhances the sense of immersion and introspection throughout the interior.
03
Large apertures in the meditation hall maximize natural light and connection to the outdoors.
04
The tea workshop centers around a communal table, fostering social interaction among guests.
05
Shared kitchen and spa facilities promote a sense of community and harmony.

The Ozolini Tea Makers Guest House is located in a peaceful setting that encourages reflection and shared experiences. It is designed to be an immersive space that connects visitors with nature, placing a strong emphasis on silence and simplicity. The building links the past with the present, inviting people to engage with their surroundings as they enjoy the process of tea-making.

Conceptual Framework
The design focuses on building a relationship with the natural environment while using uncomplicated forms and materials. An old barn serves as the reception area, acting as a doorway between history and modern functionality. This choice helps illustrate the continuity that exists between the barn and the main building, where the transition reflects the flow of time.

Spatial Organization
The arrangement of the spaces promotes easy movement among guests. There is a pathway that runs from the barn to the main building, guiding visitors through the property and enhancing their connection to the landscape. Inside the main building, shared amenities like a kitchen, bathrooms, and spa areas encourage interaction, helping foster a community atmosphere that aligns with the guest house's focus on calmness.

Light and Experience
The meditation hall is positioned next to the kitchen, and it features large windows that let in natural light. This hall serves as a quiet space for reflection, where visitors can find peace. The light changes throughout the day, creating different moods that connect the space with the changing environment outside.

Workshop and Interaction
The tea workshop features a large table designed for group activities. This area helps build a sense of community, allowing guests to engage in the ritual of tea preparation together. It highlights the connection to nature, turning a regular activity into a shared experience. The layout encourages social interaction, making tea-making not just a process but a bonding activity among visitors.

The use of dark flooring in key areas reinforces the grounding nature of the space. It complements the experience of being in the guest house, inviting moments of quiet contemplation while enhancing the simplicity of the surroundings.

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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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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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