Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Glazed Winter Garden with Local Stone Accents in a Sustainable Retreat

Authors:
Lucile Roux, Julie Hamard, Océane Morillon
Glazed Winter Garden with Local Stone Accents in a Sustainable Retreat

Project in-detail

A glazed winter garden seamlessly integrates with local stone accents, creating a sustainable retreat designed for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A winter garden serves as a focal point, connecting interior spaces with the natural landscape.
02
Local stone is used for structural elements, enhancing environmental integration.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels streamline construction while promoting sustainability.
05
Design accommodates dedicated meditation and tea preparation areas for guest engagement.
The Ozolini Guesthouse integrates contemporary architecture with traditional materiality in a setting that emphasizes natural beauty and tranquility. Located in an undisclosed landscape, the project caters to those seeking relaxation and contemplation, serving as a retreat that enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The architectural design prioritizes wellness through its layout and spatial configuration, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.

Unique Architectural Elements
The most distinctive feature of the Ozolini Guesthouse is the glazed winter garden, which forms an essential part of the extension. This design element allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding forest, ensuring a seamless visual connection between the interior spaces and nature. The incorporation of natural light is maximized, promoting a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The strategic arrangement of functional spaces, such as the meditation area and tea drying room, facilitates visitor engagement with both relaxation and local cultural practices, setting the project apart from typical hospitality designs.

Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Key materials include local stone, which serves as the primary structural component, and natural wood, which is used extensively in both the building’s framework and interior design. These materials not only provide durability but also enhance the aesthetic quality, promoting an organic feel that resonates with the surrounding environment. The use of glass in the building’s extension further underscores the design’s emphasis on transparency and connection to nature, making the guest experience more immersive.

The Ozolini Guesthouse is thoughtfully designed with various functional spaces that accommodate guests comfortably. The ground floor features an open living room, an expansive kitchen designed for communal cooking, a meditation area tailored for relaxation, and a tea drying space offering opportunities for guests to engage in local cultural traditions. On the upper level, the guest accommodations emphasize privacy and comfort, with shared bathrooms designed to support the overall functionality of the space.

For a more detailed understanding of the project’s architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. The Ozolini Guesthouse stands as an exemplary model of integrating contemporary architectural ideas with traditional ideals, ensuring a unique experience for its visitors while respecting the environment.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy