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Glass Walls and Green Spaces in a Community Workshop

Authors:
Ebrar Karaer, Hasan talha Aksu
Glass Walls and Green Spaces in a Community Workshop

Project in-detail

With large glass walls that invite natural light and views of the surrounding greenery, the structure integrates high tables for communal tea-making, creating a functional workshop and gathering space in Latvia that promotes connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates semi-transparent materials for enhanced light diffusion.
02
Features adaptive windows that transform into a winter garden.
03
Includes elevated eaves for increased spatial volume.
04
Integrates natural elements, such as plants, into the tea-making process.
05
Employs a central fireplace as a focal point for social interaction.

The T.E.A. House in Latvia represents a design approach that embraces environmental sustainability while fostering social connections. Located in a country known for its green spaces, the house operates as both a workshop and a communal area. The overall concept emphasizes an open layout that connects indoor activities with the natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere for collaboration and creativity.

Design Features

The building design incorporates a spacious workshop area and a concept living room that encourages multiple activities. Large wall openings, made from glass and semi-transparent materials, allow daylight to fill the space. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also strengthens the tie between the indoor environment and the outside world.

Spatial Configuration

The architectural form includes higher eaves that create generous volume in the upper levels of the house. This design choice adds a feeling of openness. In addition, the corner of the building features an opening that connects with nearby paths, enhancing accessibility and movement through the site. The layout supports easy flow for inhabitants, which is vital for communal functioning.

Workshops and Integration with Nature

The workspace area highlights the relationship between nature and the tea-making process. Plants are incorporated into the design, reinforcing a connection with the outdoor environment. Different areas for tea preparation are spread across two levels: high tables on the first floor encourage vertical engagement, while relaxed seating invites comfort on the second floor. The operable windows provide ventilation and allow the space to adapt to seasonal changes, enabling it to transform into a winter garden when closed.

Circulation and Communal Spaces

Special attention has been paid to the arrangement of circulation areas, balancing private spaces and communal zones. The design includes public areas such as kitchens and workshops, along with resting rooms meant for reading and meditation. The staircase near the fireplace serves both as extra seating and a central point that draws attention to communal areas.

This thoughtful arrangement of design elements creates a functional environment where the connection between the interior and exterior is both practical and inviting. Each detail enhances the overall experience, making the house a space for both work and relaxation.

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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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