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Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures

Author:
Chloé Boulay
Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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