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Glazed Roof Pavilion with Traditional Stone and Wood Harmony

Authors:
Lucile Roux, Julie Hamard, Océane Morillon
Glazed Roof Pavilion with Traditional Stone and Wood Harmony

Project in-detail

A large glazed roof connects the interior of this guesthouse to its surroundings, using traditional stone and wood to create a retreat that emphasizes meditation and tea-making experiences in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large glazed roof extends the living space into nature.
02
Traditional stone elements reflect local architectural heritage.
03
Dedicated areas for tea-making enhance cultural engagement.
04
Rail roofing system provides weather protection and flexibility.
05
Surrounding forest and lake create a tranquil retreat atmosphere.

The Ozolini Guesthouse is located in a peaceful area surrounded by dense forests and the calming waters of Lake Bezdibenė in Latvia. It serves as a retreat for those wanting to leave behind the busy city life. The design combines aspects of traditional Latvian architecture with modern elements. By doing so, it creates a comfortable space where guests can engage in meditation, eco-fitness, and tea-making workshops.

Site Integration

The design carefully connects with its natural surroundings. A large glazed roof extension allows for plenty of sunlight to enter while providing stunning views of the landscape. This feature makes the inside of the guesthouse feel open and linked to the outdoors, enhancing the experience for everyone who visits.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the guesthouse is well thought out, balancing shared and private spaces. The ground floor contains important communal areas like the kitchen and living room, as well as sections dedicated to tea preparation and workshops. These spaces encourage guests to interact with one another, while three bedrooms with private bathrooms on the upper floor offer quiet retreats when needed.

Materiality and Textural Contrast

Stone and wood are the primary materials used, reflecting the local architectural tradition as well as an emphasis on sustainability. The stone elements provide stability and connect to the region's history, while wood brings warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Together, these materials frame a cozy yet elegant environment.

Environmental Considerations

The roofing system on rails is a clever feature that allows the glazed extension to be protected from weather changes, making sure the interior remains comfortable throughout the year. This thoughtful approach enhances the usability of the space while supporting a calm and restful environment for visitors.

The design of the Ozolini Guesthouse shows an understanding of both cultural context and modern needs. It allows guests to connect with nature while providing a unique retreat experience rooted in local traditions. Among its many qualities, the large glass surfaces stand out, framing the changing seasons and bringing the outside in, enriching the overall experience for all who come to stay.

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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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