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Tea-Making Hub Embracing Stone and Timber in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Maria Delia Bermeo Silva, Andrea Narvaez Cardenas, Nadya Jaramillo Leon
Tea-Making Hub Embracing Stone and Timber in a Natural Landscape
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A timber and stone barn, reimagined with a glass greenhouse, serves as a multifunctional space for tea-making and community gatherings, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Restored stone barn serves as the project's central community hub.
02
Timber and glass greenhouse addition creates a unique winter garden.
03
Guest cabins are strategically positioned for privacy and scenic views.
04
Interior spaces prioritize natural light and connectivity with the surroundings.
05
Tea-making workshop supports local tea cultivation and production.

The design located in the Ozolini estate emphasizes a connection between existing structures and the natural landscape. Set among forests, lakes, and fields, it highlights the idea of closed-cycle structures aimed at revitalizing older buildings while harmonizing with the environment. The stone barn is central to the design, serving as both a functional area and a gathering space for visitors.

Central Structure Rehabilitation

The stone barn has been carefully restored, keeping its original stone walls and timber roof intact. This approach shows respect for traditional building methods. A new addition, a timber and glass greenhouse, has been added to the northwest side. This extension creates a winter garden, bridging the interior and exterior, and enhancing the welcoming nature of the barn.

Programmatic Integration

Inside the barn, the layout supports a range of communal functions. Important areas include a kitchen and dining space, a tea-making workshop, and a tea drying and packing area. Each space is designed to promote interaction among visitors. The wooden ceiling has been removed, allowing natural light to flood the double-height living area. This openness visually connects the occupants with the landscape outside, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Guest Accommodations

Guest houses have been thoughtfully designed as individual cabins placed along a meandering path. This path guides visitors from a pond through the forest and towards a lake viewpoint. Each cabin is positioned for unique views while ensuring privacy and quiet. This arrangement allows guests to experience nature on a personal level, emphasizing the relationship between the structures and their surroundings.

Material Choices

Materials used in the design include timber for structural elements and cladding, stone for the barn’s foundation, and zinc panels for roofing. These materials are selected to promote sustainability and durability, fitting well into the local environment.

The design reflects a strong connection between the built environment and the landscape. Each element works together to enhance the experience of those who come to the Ozolini estate. One particularly memorable feature is the open living area, which encourages occupants to enjoy expansive views, inviting them to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them.

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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.

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