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Tea-Making Master Class Center in Timber and Green Setting

Authors:
Sofya Krasnaya, Rena Alieva, Ekaterina Evtikhieva
Tea-Making Master Class Center in Timber and Green Setting

Project in-detail

Drawing inspiration from the shape of mint leaves and the Latvian Tree of Life, this guest house combines timber construction with dedicated spaces for tea-making workshops, fostering community engagement in a naturally harmonious environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the shape of mint leaves, the design integrates organic forms into its architecture.
02
The central master class area is dedicated solely to tea-making workshops.
03
Sustainable construction utilizes timber as the primary material to minimize environmental impact.
04
Dedicated zones for tea drying and packing enhance the connection to local tea culture.
05
Natural light floods communal spaces, creating a warm atmosphere for social interaction.

Teamakеrs Guest House is designed as a combination of residential modules in a peaceful setting. The concept is inspired by nature and local culture. The shape of mint leaves, a key ingredient in Lauku tea, and the Latvian Tree of Life, symbolizing harmony with the environment, drive the design. The project emphasizes sustainability and cultural identity through its architectural choices.

Conceptual Framework

The layout is organized by function, allowing for easy movement throughout the space. It includes three bedrooms for guests, a bathroom for convenience, and a kitchen for meal preparation. A prominent feature is the master class area, which serves as a communal space for tea-making workshops. Additional areas are designated for drying and packing tea, highlighting the connection to local tea culture.

Material Selection

Sustainability is a central theme, with timber identified as the primary construction material. This choice reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, aiming to reduce the building's ecological footprint. Glass and wood paneling complement the timber, adding visual interest while helping the structure blend into its natural surroundings.

Architectural Expression

The design emphasizes an organic form that complements the landscape. The central communal space is not just functional; it encourages social interaction among guests, enhancing the overall experience. This focus on community is a significant element of the guest house's purpose.

Natural light fills the communal area, creating warmth and inviting spaces for gatherings. Thoughtful details throughout the building ensure a connection between the architectural elements and the environment, making the guest house a comfortable retreat that respects its surroundings.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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