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Stone Walls and Wood Façade Enhancing the Journey of Tea Making

Author:
Zhong Cai
Stone Walls and Wood Façade Enhancing the Journey of Tea Making

Project in-detail

Stone walls rise around an open pavilion where timber and concrete meet to create a dynamic space for exploring the art of tea making.
5 key facts about this project
01
The guest house incorporates both preserved stone walls and a contemporary wood façade.
02
A linear procession through the space enhances the experience of tea making.
03
Operable partitions allow for flexible use of the ground floor.
04
The design opens to the landscape on both ends, merging indoor and outdoor experiences.
05
Heritage elements are respected while integrating modern functionality.

The Teamakers Guest House is located in Latvia and serves as a space focused on tea making. It is designed to provide both functional areas for preparation and welcoming spots for social interaction. The overall concept revolves around a linear journey that traces the process of tea, from gathering leaves to experiencing the final brew. This thoughtful approach creates an open activity space that not only encourages engagement with tea making but also connects with the surrounding natural landscape.

Conceptual Framework

The design centers on a long, open space that embodies the tea-making journey. The central area acts as a gathering point for guests, facilitating the art of preparation and enjoyment. By allowing openings at both ends, the design merges indoor and outdoor experiences. This connection enhances the idea of tea as a cultural practice that thrives in both shared spaces and tranquil environments.

Materiality and Structure

Material choices play an important role in expressing the character of the guest house. The original stone walls are preserved, reflecting the historical context of the location. The new addition honors this heritage by incorporating the roof shape of the earlier barn, thus maintaining visual continuity. A concrete ground floor provides a solid foundation to support the building while complementing the stone walls. The use of wood adds warmth and links the design to traditional Latvian architecture.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the guest house demonstrates a clear approach to spatial organization. Operable partitions on the ground level offer flexibility, allowing the space to adapt for various uses such as workshops or communal gatherings. This adaptability fosters an inviting environment that encourages participation in the tea-making process, as well as moments of calm and reflection.

A key feature of the guest house is its ability to balance human activity with the natural surroundings. The design invites light and fresh air into the central hall, creating a peaceful atmosphere. This attention to the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces culminates in a design that is user-friendly and culturally aware, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuances of tea making.

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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

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competition now

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