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Preserved Stone Walls and Birch Wood Foster Connection to Nature in a Guest Experience

Author:
Hye-ryung Cho
Preserved Stone Walls and Birch Wood Foster Connection to Nature in a Guest Experience
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Preserved stone walls and warm birch wood connect visitors to the rich history and natural landscape of Ozzolini, creating a unique guest house experience centered around tea culture and tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Preserved stone walls showcase the barn's 160-year history.
02
Birch wood accents create a warm, inviting interior atmosphere.
03
Balconies in each guest room enhance connections to nature.
04
Dedicated tea manufacturing areas allow for immersive cultural experiences.
05
Meditation spaces foster community interaction while offering privacy.

The Stone Barn Teamakers Guest House is located in Ozzolini and aims to combine historical elements with modern design. It serves as a space for tea lovers, offering a unique experience that honors the past while catering to contemporary needs. The building preserves the character of a structure that has stood for over 160 years. The design emphasizes a connection to local tea culture and the surrounding natural landscape.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the guest house is thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction among guests, tea, and nature. Privacy is prioritized in the guest rooms, which incorporate small windows that shield occupants from the bustling road nearby. These windows allow just enough view of the landscape while ensuring comfort and seclusion for those inside.



Connection to Nature

Each guest room features a balcony that invites occupants to step outside and enjoy the views of the Ozzolini surroundings. Large main windows act as picture frames, bringing the tranquility of the outdoor environment indoors. This design choice encourages guests to engage with the beauty around them and enhances the overall experience of the space.



Community Spaces

The guest house includes areas dedicated to the process of tea manufacturing, offering visitors the chance to learn about and engage with the local culture. Workspaces feature large windows that open up to the outside, creating a connection between the activities inside and the world beyond. Preserved stone walls in these areas serve to remind guests of the history of the barn, adding depth to their interactions. Meditation spaces are designed to be communal, inviting guests to gather while still offering options for private reflection.



Materiality

The materials chosen for the project show a strong connection to local offerings and the historical background of the area. The use of birch wood contributes warmth to the interiors, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. This choice ties the design to its surroundings and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the guest house.



The combination of preserved stone walls with modern elements creates a distinctive character for the guest house, enriching the experience of visitors and deepening their appreciation for both the history and the natural environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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?

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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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