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Play of Light and Texture in a Pine-Focused Retreat

Author:
Jinju Jang
Play of Light and Texture in a Pine-Focused Retreat

Project in-detail

A prominent pine tree anchors the design, framing a series of interconnected spaces that illuminate the natural interplay of light and texture, creating a tranquil retreat for relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a prominent pine tree as a central feature, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Large windows strategically placed throughout the building maximize natural light and minimize reliance on artificial lighting.
03
The guesthouse layout encourages fluid movement between spaces, fostering social interaction and personal reflection.
04
Materials were carefully selected to harmonize with the local landscape, emphasizing a sense of place.
05
Skylights in the yoga space enhance the experience of natural light, contributing to a tranquil ambiance.

TEA MAKER GUEST HOUSE is located in Latvia and emphasizes a connection between nature and human experience. The building serves as a space for relaxation, reflecting the idea that simplicity found in nature can refresh the spirit. The design fosters harmony with the landscape, creating a peaceful environment for visitors to unwind.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the guest house incorporates large windows that allow abundant natural light to enter. This transparency forms a visual connection with the outdoors, contributing to a changing interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. The arrangement of spaces promotes easy movement through the building, encouraging both social interactions among guests and opportunities for solitude.

Natural Elements

Natural elements are a central feature of the design. A prominent pine tree symbolizes the local landscape and helps ground the building in its context. The use of stone and wood enhances the building's connection to nature, introducing warmth and texture. These materials create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with the surrounding environment.

Interior Experience

The guest rooms and yoga spaces prioritize comfort and relaxation. Skylights are strategically placed to invite daylight, creating a bright and welcoming ambiance. The design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging interaction with nature. This approach enhances the overall feeling of tranquility and connection for those who enter.

Exterior Aesthetics

The exterior design carefully considers natural forms and materials. The design produces a play of shadows and shapes that enriches the visual experience. This attention to detail not only shapes the appearance of the building but also reinforces a sense of peace in the natural setting. The combination of these design features makes the guest house a place for visitors to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

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

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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.

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

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