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Herb Lab Integration with Wooden Walls in Ecotourism Guest House

Authors:
Hakjae Kim, Xie Yunfei
Herb Lab Integration with Wooden Walls in Ecotourism Guest House
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Incorporating an herb lab alongside repurposed wooden walls, the design emphasizes sustainability and community engagement within a guest house setting that invites close interactions with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an herb lab for hands-on education about local plants.
02
Utilizes repurposed existing walls to enhance sustainability.
03
Features a meditation room positioned in the roof space for solitude.
04
Designed to promote community interaction within shared areas.
05
Focused on ecotourism, connecting guests directly with the natural environment.

The design in Ozolini, Latvia, embodies the principles of ecotourism while fostering a sense of community. Located in a serene landscape, the guest house functions as a bridge between personal space and shared areas. The design focuses on creating a strong relationship with the surroundings, inviting guests to engage with nature and one another throughout their stay.

Guest House Functionality

The building includes three guest rooms, each designed for two occupants. This arrangement promotes a mix of privacy and social interaction. A main hall serves as a communal area where guests can gather and connect. Additionally, a herb lab and a meditation room provide spaces for education and personal reflection, enhancing the overall visitor experience.



Sustainable Practices

Central to the design is the herb lab, which contains areas for drying and packing tea. This feature underscores a commitment to sustainability and educates guests about local plant life. The herb garden complements this focus, showcasing various herbs that have culinary and medicinal uses. This arrangement not only enriches the visitor experience but also encourages respect for the local ecosystem.



Adaptive Reuse Strategy

The project incorporates existing walls from the original site, reflecting an adaptive reuse strategy. By preserving three of these walls, the design minimizes material waste and retains a connection to the site's history. The overall structure is designed to fit harmoniously within the landscape, creating a thoughtful balance between new construction and the existing environment.



Meditation Space

The meditation room is placed in the roof area, offering a quiet retreat for guests. It features views of the natural surroundings, enhancing the experience of solitude and reflection. This space invites visitors to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature, reinforcing the connection between individuals and their environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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