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Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures

Author:
Chloé Boulay
Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures

Project in-detail

With transparent glass walls that connect occupants to the surrounding forest and original stone features that anchor the structure, the guest house offers a serene retreat that integrates nature into daily living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transparent roofing allows for stargazing while in bed.
02
Original stone walls provide historical context and warmth.
03
Electric shutters offer customizable lighting and energy efficiency.
04
Open bedroom design enhances connection to surrounding nature.
05
Flexible walls in the tea-making workshop adapt to varied needs.

The Glass House, located at Ozolini Teamakers, offers a unique experience that combines modern living with the natural landscape. Designed as a guest house, it invites visitors to connect with their surroundings. The design emphasizes transparency and openness, allowing occupants to feel at one with the forest while enjoying the comforts of home.

Design Concept

The design focuses on immersing occupants in nature. Original stone walls are preserved, creating a sense of history. Glass and metal are used extensively to enhance light and visibility, making it feel as if the outdoors is part of the interior space. This approach maximizes natural light and creates a calming atmosphere that encourages relaxation and mindfulness.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout is thoughtfully arranged to balance communal and private spaces. Open areas, including the living room, are designed for socializing and relaxation. The three bedrooms are arranged to offer both connection and seclusion. One of the bedrooms opens to the forest on two sides, promoting interaction among guests, while the other two bedrooms provide a cozy retreat with views of nature.

Natural Integration

Natural light is a key feature of the Glass House. Transparent roofs and glass flooring are used to bring sunlight into the interiors, creating a bright and welcoming environment. Bedrooms are equipped with electric shutters that allow occupants to control light levels, offering privacy and comfort as needed. This flexibility enhances the living experience in different conditions.

Materiality

Materials are carefully chosen to enhance the design. The original stone walls provide a tactile link to the site’s past. Extensive use of glass and metal allows for clarity and connection with the outdoors. This material selection supports the idea of bringing nature into the living space.

The design also includes practical elements such as a tea-making workshop located centrally between functional areas. Walls in this workshop can be folded to create a larger space as needed, illustrating a thoughtful approach to versatility and usability in the overall design.

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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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