Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reclaimed Stone Walls and Greenery in a Sustainable Tea Production Space

Authors:
Tine Brandstrup, Jesper Nielsen
Reclaimed Stone Walls and Greenery in a Sustainable Tea Production Space

Project in-detail

Reclaimed stone walls form the foundation of a tea production space enhanced by green walls and an innovative rainwater management system, promoting sustainability while inviting visitors to experience the tea-making process.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed stone walls support the structure, preserving local heritage.
02
Green walls are integrated throughout, enhancing air quality and aesthetics.
03
Rainwater management systems collect and reuse water for production.
04
Multi-functional spaces accommodate activities like yoga and community gatherings.
05
A strong emphasis on local resource utilization shapes the overall experience.

CirculariTea is located in Latvia and brings together the concepts of sustainability and tea production. The design aims to promote an understanding of environmental practices while creating a space where visitors can connect with nature and agriculture. Through the creative reuse of existing buildings, the project establishes a strong link to the local landscape and fosters an engaging experience for all who visit.

SUSTAINABLE REUSE

The project makes significant use of a barn, transforming it into a historical entry point that showcases the area's agricultural past. The original stone walls and roof remain intact, preserving the site's history and minimizing waste during construction. This choice highlights the commitment to sustainability and adds to the character of the space.



GREEN ELEMENTS

Green walls are integrated throughout the design, providing both beauty and function. These walls are home to aromatic herbs that serve a role in tea production and enhance the sensory experience for visitors. The presence of greenery inside and outside helps connect people to local farming practices and emphasizes the value of using native resources.



WATER MANAGEMENT

Effective water management is a key feature of the design. An innovative roofing system collects rainwater and directs it into basins for reuse. This practical solution addresses environmental needs while educating visitors about important water conservation techniques. By showcasing these methods, the project encourages deeper thought around ecological responsibility.



MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES

The layout supports a variety of activities, including fitness classes, yoga sessions, and community gatherings, all alongside areas for tea production. This flexibility allows for a dynamic use of space, enhancing visitor interaction and promoting a sense of community. It brings together different facets of the site, creating engaging experiences for everyone.



Overall, the careful blend of structural elements with natural surroundings leads to a setting that emphasizes sustainable practices. The glass facade allows natural light to pour inside, creating a bright environment that connects the interior with the beauty of the landscape outside.

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