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