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Nature Immersion Through Cross Laminated Timber and Community Spaces

Authors:
Ana Carolina Zuin Freitas, Marina Salles Luz
Nature Immersion Through Cross Laminated Timber and Community Spaces
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Cross Laminated Timber forms a modular guesthouse connected to an adaptive barn, creating community spaces that enhance wellness through nature immersion and mindful practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed an existing barn to create a communal gathering space.
02
Incorporates Cross Laminated Timber for its structural framework.
03
Features an open-air patio for outdoor wellness activities.
04
Utilizes solar panels for energy efficiency.
05
Design emphasizes immersion in the surrounding forest landscape.

The Ozolini Teamakers Guesthouse is located in a forested area of Latvia, close to Lake Bezdibene. It is designed to create a peaceful setting for visitors, encouraging a return to nature and personal reflection. The guesthouse supports activities like meditation and yoga, alongside the appreciation of organic herbal teas. The design incorporates an existing barn, historically tied to tea production, to blend tradition with contemporary architectural practices.

Adaptation and Use of Space

The project features two main parts: the renovated barn and a new section providing private guest rooms. The barn serves as a common area for social gatherings and tea preparation. This arrangement maintains a balance between shared experiences and quiet accommodations. An open-air patio links the barn to the guesthouse, allowing for outdoor activities and contributing to the retreat’s tranquil environment.

Arrangement of Units

The layout employs a modular system, with individual guest units spread across the site and connected by walkways. This design encourages natural light to fill the interior spaces while framing views of the surrounding forest. The second level of the barn has been adapted into a flexible area for workshops and education focusing on tea culture and holistic health, promoting interaction among guests and an engaging learning experience.

Material Choices

Material selection is key to defining the guesthouse’s character. The design uses cement plates treated for waterproofing and thermal insulation, while OSB and drywall panels offer sound insulation. Skylights are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and enhance comfort. Wood slats allow for ventilation, and new wood floors add structural stability, particularly in the mezzanine section. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is utilized in the building's framework, emphasizing an eco-friendly approach, while concrete foundations keep wooden components dry and secure.

Distinctive Design Elements

A circular staircase connects the barn's ground floor to its upper level, serving as a significant design feature that encourages guest interaction. The carefully considered integration of modern design elements with historical aspects respects the site's heritage. Quiet sitting areas and large windows invite visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, fulfilling the guesthouse’s goal of providing a restorative space that celebrates the traditional practice of tea.

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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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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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