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Tea-Leaf Bricks Creating Contemplative Space in Latvian Countryside

Authors:
Merve Uğurlu, Sevim Pınar Yorulmaz, Kadriye Ecem Bozbey
Tea-Leaf Bricks Creating Contemplative Space in Latvian Countryside
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Utilizing tea-leaf bricks and natural materials, the design fosters a contemplative space that connects users to the Latvian countryside and encourages mindfulness through meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local tea leaves combined with mud and water to create sustainable bricks.
02
Strategically designed gaps between structural elements enhance natural light flow.
03
Incorporates wooden modules that define both individual and communal spaces.
04
Features an open top for ventilation and a direct connection to the landscape.
05
Emphasizes a journey from darkness to light to foster meditation and reflection.

The design at Ozolini Farm is located in the quiet countryside of Latvia, where the natural landscape profoundly influences its character. This project embodies the concept of the ensō, which represents the cycle of life—birth, death, and rebirth. The architecture encourages mindfulness and reflection, guiding visitors through a journey from a dim entrance into a space filled with light.

Conceptual Framework
The core idea revolves around the ensō as a guiding theme, symbolizing continuity and enlightenment. The layout is carefully arranged to transition individuals from a narrow, dark space into a larger, brighter area. This progression supports an environment that fosters meditation, resonating with Zen principles.

Spatial Organization
The arrangement of spaces maintains a balance between openness and enclosure. Light and shadow interact naturally throughout the interior. Strategic gaps between the structural elements allow sunlight to pour in, enhancing the meditative atmosphere. Wooden modules are positioned thoughtfully, creating distinct areas that encourage personal contemplation while fostering community engagement.

Material Integration
Ozolini Farm's context drives innovative use of local materials, particularly tea leaves sourced from the surrounding landscape. These leaves are mixed with mud and water and formed into bricks, establishing a connection between the architecture and regional identity. This approach not only emphasizes sustainability but also ties the built structure to the natural environment.

Design Details
An open top further enhances the experience by allowing smoke to escape while connecting the inside to the outside. This design choice promotes airflow and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can engage with the surrounding landscape, enriching their experience in this thoughtfully designed space.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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