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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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