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Stone Retreat with East-Facing Windows for Tea-Making Experience

Author:
Yongyeon Cho
Stone Retreat with East-Facing Windows for Tea-Making Experience
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Constructed with a retained stone structure and designed with east-facing windows, the retreat enhances the tea-making experience while providing guests a tranquil setting connected to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retains an existing stone structure to enhance its historical context.
02
Features large east-facing windows to maximize morning light and nature views.
03
Incorporates clearly defined areas for tea-making, drying, and packaging.
04
Includes an accessible first-floor guest room designed for wheelchair users.
05
Offers a porch that connects indoor and outdoor dining experiences.

The Tea Maker's Guest House is located in a wooded area, designed to provide a peaceful retreat for guests. The focus of the design is on tea-making and the ways it can connect people to nature. By emphasizing elements such as light, wind, and time, the house creates a setting that encourages relaxation and social interaction among visitors.

Design Concept and Functionality

The design makes use of an existing stone structure that adds character and context to the site. By keeping this stone, the design respects the local landscape and reduces the environmental impact of constructing new materials. Each part of the guest house serves a specific function, including private guest rooms, communal workspaces, and dining areas. The layout is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the experience and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

Inside the guest house, different areas are divided into private and public spaces. Guest rooms are designed to provide privacy, while open areas invite people to gather and socialize. The arrangement allows for good airflow and creates visual connections throughout the house. Guests can enjoy views of the woods from various vantage points, helping them feel more in touch with nature.

Workshop and Community Engagement

One key aspect of the design is the tea workshop. This space includes distinct areas for displaying items, making tea, and drying and packaging the product. By organizing these functions, the design promotes learning and collaboration among guests. The workshop fosters a sense of community by allowing individuals to come together, share knowledge, and experience the art of tea-making.

Guest Room Design and Accessibility

Each guest room features large windows facing east that provide ample morning light and scenic views of the surroundings. This connection to the outside enhances the overall experience, encouraging moments of reflection or inspiration. The design also considers accessibility, making sure that the ground floor is welcoming for wheelchair users.

The entrance includes a porch that transitions between the indoors and outdoors, serving as a dining area for enjoying meals outside. This space allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the natural environment.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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