Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures

Author:
Chloé Boulay
Glass Walls Embracing Nature with Original Stone Structures
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in