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Floating Glass Facades Above a Historical Barn Informed by Synaptic Connections

Author:
Talal El Masri
Floating Glass Facades Above a Historical Barn Informed by Synaptic Connections
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The design features floating glass facades supported by vertical elements that create a visual connection between a contemporary structure and a historical stone barn, serving as a guest house in the Riga Region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating glass facades create a visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
02
The design incorporates a 'Synaptic Gap' for interaction between old and new structures.
03
Vertical elements support the building, enhancing the perception of levitation.
04
Roof extensions provide seasonal shade and sunlight management.
05
The stone barn acts as a natural light filter, creating a balanced interior atmosphere.

The Ozolini Guest House is located in the scenic Riga Region and presents a design that aligns with its natural surroundings. The concept revolves around "Synapse Connections," which takes inspiration from how neurons interact biologically. The building serves as a retreat that connects with the existing stone barn, showcasing modern design while honoring historical elements.

Conceptual Framework

The design introduces a 'Synaptic Gap' between the new structure and the stone barn. This gap allows for an appreciation of both buildings without physical contact. It creates a space where the new design can communicate with the historical context. Visitors can explore freely, moving between indoor areas and the natural landscape outside.

Materiality and Structure

Glass facades play a central role in the design, contributing to an overall feeling of lightness. These facades are made possible by embedding aluminum frames into the walls and slabs. This approach allows the glass surfaces to dominate, creating a continuous connection to the outside world. The materials used not only enhance visual appeal but also support durability, ensuring that the new construction works with the existing barn.

Climate Responsiveness

The design considers climate carefully. Roof extensions provide shade from direct sunlight in the summer, helping to keep the interior comfortable. During winter, sunlight is allowed to enter and warm the spaces inside. The stone barn also helps manage light, filtering harsh rays and creating a gentle, welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.

Aesthetic Detail

The building is supported by four vertical elements that give the impression of floating above the stone barn. This detail adds to the overall feeling of lightness. It highlights the harmony between the two structures. Each design choice reflects a careful focus on both form and function, reinforcing the connection between the guest house and its historical context. The result is a thoughtful blend of modernity and tradition.

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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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