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Resilient Spaces Crafted from Recycled Polycarbonate and Laminated Timber Embracing Nature's Essence

Author:
Peter Tso
Resilient Spaces Crafted from Recycled Polycarbonate and Laminated Timber Embracing Nature's Essence

Project in-detail

Crafted with recycled polycarbonate panels and laminated timber, the guesthouse elegantly intertwines sustainability with historical context, creating a harmonious space that fosters community engagement and a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled polycarbonate panels to enhance natural light and insulation while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates laminated timber construction to ensure structural integrity and sustainability in design.
03
Features a flexible floor plan that adapts to both communal activities and private retreats, promoting social interaction.
04
Emphasizes a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Retains and repurposes historical elements from existing structures, honoring the site’s cultural heritage while creating modern amenities.
The TeaMakers Guesthouse represents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that harmonizes the built environment with the natural landscape in which it resides. This project is situated in a serene setting reminiscent of Ozolini household's rich environmental context, where the architecture seeks to foster a closer connection between guests and their surroundings. Functionally, the guesthouse serves as both accommodation and a versatile workspace, allowing for various activities that promote interaction among visitors and the local community.

In terms of design, the TeaMakers Guesthouse emphasizes a seamless integration of existing structures and the natural site. The project intelligently utilizes two primary elements: a rustic stone barn and a previously disused hut. By incorporating these historical elements, the architecture reflects the area’s cultural heritage while enhancing sustainability by repurposing existing materials. This approach not only preserves the narrative of the site but also minimizes environmental impact—a crucial consideration in contemporary architectural practice.

The spatial layout of the guesthouse encourages fluid movement and interaction. Ground-level accessibility ensures that both private and communal spaces are easily navigable, promoting an environment that invites social gathering. The organization of spaces allows for a blend of function and leisure, with areas dedicated to workshops alongside spaces designed for relaxation. This mixed-use strategy is central to the project’s identity as a communal hub.

Materiality plays an essential role in the architectural expression of the guesthouse. The choice of recycled polycarbonate panels for the façade is particularly notable. These panels allow natural light to penetrate deeply into the structure while providing effective insulation. Utilizing recycled laminated timber not only reinforces the building's framework but also aligns with sustainable design principles, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship. Concrete slabs are employed as a thermal mass, effectively moderating indoor temperatures by absorbing excess heat during the day, thus enhancing occupant comfort.

The design incorporates deliberate architectural features, such as the unique roofline that sweeps between the different spaces. This element creates varied ceiling heights and enhances the overall spatial experience, drawing the eye upwards and inviting guests to engage with the architecture itself. Additionally, the alignment of views is carefully curated, allowing occupants to appreciate the surrounding scenery from various vantage points within the guesthouse.

Seasonal adaptability is another key consideration woven into the project’s fabric. The design ensures that the guesthouse remains inviting throughout the year. Natural ventilation is optimized through strategically placed openings and thoughtful roof designs, making the indoor environment pleasant regardless of external weather conditions. The interplay of light and shadow within the interior spaces evolves with the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic experience that reflects the changing environment.

A unique aspect of the TeaMakers Guesthouse is its commitment to functionality paired with an aesthetic sensitivity to the landscape. Rather than imposing a foreign architectural identity onto the site, the design embraces and complements its natural surroundings. The project stands as a testament to the belief that architecture should create spaces that cultivate well-being, promote community interactions, and foster a deeper appreciation of nature.

For those interested in further exploring the architectural elements of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide detailed insights into how these ideas are executed in practice. The consideration of local materials, combined with the interactive design approach, exemplifies a contemporary architectural philosophy that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. The TeaMakers Guesthouse invites visitors not only to stay but to experience the convergence of architecture and nature, making it a noteworthy project in today’s architectural landscape.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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