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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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