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Natural Light-Filled Retreat Crafted From Seamless Stone and Walnut Wood

Author:
Jong hun Won
Natural Light-Filled Retreat Crafted From Seamless Stone and Walnut Wood

Project in-detail

Crafted from seamless stone and walnut wood, the guesthouse integrates extensive glass facades to enhance natural light and connection to the surroundings, providing a tranquil retreat for visitors in the heart of Ozolini, Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using seamless stone walls for enhanced thermal mass.
02
Incorporates extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and views.
03
Utilizes walnut wood accents throughout for durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features a meditation space with an open ceiling design for natural ventilation.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems for efficient water management.

The Teamakers Guest House project represents a thoughtful renovation of an existing structure originally used for tea storage in Ozolini, Latvia. This architectural design transforms the former barn into an eco-friendly guesthouse, integrating seamlessly into the natural environment. The project prioritizes sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact while providing a serene retreat for visitors. The design emphasizes a close relationship between the building and its surroundings, achieving a harmonious balance between nature and human habitation.

Sustainable Design Approaches

The architectural design employs various strategies to maintain a low ecological footprint. Notably, the project features extensive use of natural materials, including walnut wood, white oil wood, teak wood, and seamless stone walls. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the guesthouse but also ensure durability and sustainability. Large glass facades create a connection to the natural landscape while allowing ample daylight to penetrate the interiors, thus reducing the dependence on artificial lighting. The strategic placement of windows facilitates natural ventilation, improving air quality and comfort.

The inclusion of sustainable features further distinguishes this project. Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to manage water resources effectively, while solar panels harness renewable energy to support the building’s power requirements. These systems reflect a commitment to an environmentally conscious design, making the guesthouse a self-sustaining facility.

Functional Layout and Unique Elements

The layout of the Teamakers Guest House is designed to maximize comfort and functionality, offering distinct spaces that serve specific purposes while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The living room, characterized by large windows, serves as a gathering space that encourages interaction while blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. A dedicated tea-making area allows guests to engage with tea culture, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Unique architectural elements, such as the meditation space with an open ceiling design, create an ambiance conducive to reflection and tranquility. The bedrooms are strategically positioned to offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape, promoting relaxation and comfort. This attention to the spatial arrangement underscores the project's commitment to providing a restorative environment for visitors.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will offer valuable insights into its design philosophy and execution. The Teamakers Guest House exemplifies a modern approach to architecture that respects nature and enhances the guest experience through thoughtful design principles.

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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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