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Forest Integration With Polycarbonate Walls and Local Wood Elements

Authors:
André Esteves, Charlotte Costa
Forest Integration With Polycarbonate Walls and Local Wood Elements

Project in-detail

With its unique "nijiriguchi" entrance and integration of polycarbonate walls alongside local wood materials, the design redefines the guest experience in eco-tourism settings within the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
The entrance features a "nijiriguchi,” inspired by traditional Japanese tea houses.
02
Polycarbonate walls enhance natural light and visual connection to the forest.
03
The layout promotes communal interaction across diverse functional areas.
04
Local wood materials support sustainability and regional economic growth.
05
A dedicated workshop area facilitates hands-on eco-tourism activities.

The Teamakers Guest House is situated in the forests of Latvia and serves as an eco-tourism retreat that emphasizes a strong connection to nature. The design draws inspiration from local traditional architecture, particularly the barn, maintaining its character while adapting it for modern use. This project focuses on sustainability and encourages community interaction, creating a welcoming space for visitors who wish to explore both the natural environment and the rich local culture.

Architectural Concept

The design revolves around preserving the historical context of the site while incorporating essential modern functions. Open spaces are prioritized, allowing for easy movement and connections between various areas, including a workshop, conceptual room, reception area, store, and guest accommodations. This layout not only aids navigation but also enhances social engagement among visitors.



Material Selection

Local materials play a key role in the construction, with an emphasis on wood and wood composites. These choices support sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, using polycarbonate walls in certain areas promotes daylight entry, enriching the interior atmosphere while connecting spaces visually.



Spatial Integration

A notable feature of the design is the corridor that links indoor spaces with the surrounding woods. This corridor helps maintain natural light flow and deepens the connection between guests and the landscape. It allows visitors to transition easily between indoor comforts and outdoor experiences.



Cultural Reference

One interesting element is the entrance to the conceptual room, called "nijiriguchi," which reflects influences from traditional Japanese tea house design. A fountain is included at the entrance, inviting guests to pause and wash their hands before entering. This design detail encourages a moment of reflection, enhancing the overall visitor experience and establishing a sense of mindfulness before stepping into the main interior.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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