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Natural Stone and Wood Retreat Emphasizing Outdoor Connection

Author:
Min Ji Kang
Natural Stone and Wood Retreat Emphasizing Outdoor Connection
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Constructed from natural stone and wood, the guest house fosters a deep connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding forest, providing an inviting environment for workshops and yoga sessions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced natural stone and wood.
02
Features extensive windows for improved airflow and natural light.
03
Incorporates a dual-level layout for communal and private spaces.
04
Designed to harmonize with the surrounding forest environment.
05
Provides dedicated areas for workshops and yoga practice.

The Tea Maker Guest House is situated in a forest, designed to offer a peaceful retreat that highlights a strong connection to the surrounding nature. It serves multiple purposes, allowing visitors to participate in workshops, yoga sessions, and moments of relaxation. The design concept emphasizes harmony with the environment, ensuring that both the building and its users interact positively with the natural landscape.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout is organized over two levels. The first floor features communal spaces, including a workshop area, a yoga studio, a living room, a kitchen, and restrooms. The second floor hosts guest rooms, a common area, and showers, striking a balance between social engagement and privacy. This layout encourages interaction among guests while providing private spaces for relaxation.

Natural Inflow

The design focuses on bringing nature inside. Windows and openings are used widely throughout the guest house, offering clear views of the trees and allowing natural light and fresh air to flow freely. Features like pivoted doors and corner windows create connections between the inside and outside. These elements help to enhance comfort and provide a sense of openness.

Materiality

Materials play a significant role in the design. The guest house uses stones and wood that reflect the natural surroundings. These choices support the design's ecological focus while contributing to its aesthetic appeal. By incorporating locally sourced materials, the guest house connects more deeply with its setting and ensures durability in its construction.

Design Details

Attention to detail is evident in each space of the guest house. The yoga area promotes calmness and offers a welcoming atmosphere for practice. In the workshop, the design encourages creativity through thoughtful organization. Each element is intentionally planned, allowing the project to create an environment that feels integrated with nature, providing visitors with an experience that is both engaging and centered around the outdoors.

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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.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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