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Stone Walls and Polycarbonate Light in a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Eflatun fikret Ono yılmaz, Deniz Akyürek
Stone Walls and Polycarbonate Light in a Serene Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with stone walls and illuminated by polycarbonate panels, the retreat harmonizes privacy and communal spaces, offering a tranquil environment for those seeking respite in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual-purpose design includes a workshop for tea production alongside guest accommodations.
02
Natural light is maximized through polycarbonate panels while maintaining privacy.
03
Stone walls integrate historical elements with modern functional spaces.
04
Concrete seating in the garden enhances outdoor interaction and connectivity.
05
Bedrooms are strategically located for tranquility, separated from communal areas.

Teamakers Guest House is located in Ozolini, Latvia, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Bezdibene and expansive forests. It serves as a retreat for those looking to escape the busyness of city life. The design focuses on creating a close relationship with the natural landscape, offering spaces for relaxation and social connection.

Spatial Organization

The layout promotes a thoughtful balance between shared and private areas. When guests enter, they find themselves in a living space framed by the original stone walls of a barn. This open area includes a kitchen, living room, and dining spaces, allowing guests to interact comfortably. Large windows are positioned to let in ample natural light, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Connectivity with Nature

The northern part of the building features a garden designed for relaxation and outdoor gatherings. Concrete seating provides a comfortable spot for guests to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Glass panels can be opened during the warmer months, enhancing the feeling of integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. This encourages guests to engage with nature regularly, reinforcing the retreat's purpose.

Material and Aesthetic Elements

Materials used throughout the guest house play an essential role in its overall atmosphere. The existing stone walls contribute structure and visual interest, bridging the past with the present. Inside, wooden finishes are employed to bring warmth and a sense of calm. The workshop area uses polycarbonate panels that allow diffused light to enter while ensuring privacy, adding practicality to the design.

Private and Functional Spaces

Bedrooms are positioned on the south side of the house, providing quiet retreats for guests who seek solitude. These rooms connect to shared bathrooms, maintaining a sense of community without sacrificing personal space. In contrast, the northern section houses functional areas such as a tea workshop and drying chamber. This layout reflects the dual nature of the guest house, offering spaces for socializing and personal reflection.

Light filters softly through the wooden beams, casting patterns on the walls and floors. This interplay of light and shadow creates an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of those who visit the guest house.

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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
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