Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Stone Facade and Flexible Layout in a Community-Focused Tea House

Author:
Guangxin Xie
Natural Stone Facade and Flexible Layout in a Community-Focused Tea House

Project in-detail

Incorporating a natural stone facade and large expanses of glass, the design fosters an immersive connection with the landscape while serving as a multifunctional space for tea-making and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facade integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Large glass openings create visual connections to nature while maximizing daylight.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability and unique spatial dynamics.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse community activities and gatherings.

The Teamakers Guest House is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed as a multifunctional space that combines a tea-making workshop with guest accommodation. This project emphasizes the integration of nature, sustainable building practices, and community engagement. The design focuses on creating a tranquil environment that provides visitors with opportunities to connect through shared cultural experiences centered around tea.

The building's layout centers around communal interaction, highlighting both public and private spaces. The first floor includes a living area, kitchen, and tea workshop, while the upper level contains guest rooms that offer privacy and comfort. This arrangement facilitates seamless movement between social and personal environments, enhancing the visitor experience.

Unique Design Approaches

The Teamakers Guest House employs a thoughtful material palette that includes natural stone, wood, glass, and reinforced concrete. The use of locally sourced materials is not only sustainable but also decreases the building's carbon footprint while establishing a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The natural stone grounding elements provide stability, while wooden finishes create warmth, making the space inviting.

Large window openings maximize natural light and offer scenic views of the property. These design choices promote a sense of openness and connection with the environment, essential for a space intended for relaxation and cultural exchange. The design utilizes passive heating and cooling strategies to optimize energy efficiency, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

Integration of Nature and Flexibility

The incorporation of outdoor spaces, such as terraces and courtyards, allows guests to engage with the natural surroundings, enhancing their overall experience. These areas serve multifunctional purposes, accommodating both solitary reflection and communal gatherings. The flexible nature of the spaces supports various activities, including academic workshops and social events, catering to the diverse needs of the user group.

This project stands out due to its commitment to cultural representation, specifically through the tea workshop. By providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about local traditions and practices, the design fosters deeper cultural appreciation and community ties.

For more insights into the Teamakers Guest House, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. Understanding the architectural elements will provide a comprehensive view of this unique hospitality project and its design outcomes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy