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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 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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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