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Timber Finishes Embrace Natural Light in a Stone Barn Retreat

Authors:
Yixin Yang, Linru Wang
Timber Finishes Embrace Natural Light in a Stone Barn Retreat

Project in-detail

A light tunnel enhances the tranquil atmosphere of a renovated stone barn, employing timber finishes to create a flexible retreat that fosters community engagement and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Renovation of an existing stone barn enhances natural lighting.
02
Incorporation of a light tunnel to improve interior brightness.
03
Timber finishes create warm and inviting residential spaces.
04
Flexible layout supports various functions and communal activities.
05
Central courtyard fosters interaction and connection with nature.

The Ozolini Teamakers Guest House is located in Latvia, where it blends architecture with the natural surroundings to create a quiet space for meditation and well-being. The design focuses on building connections between visitors and the local culture. The goal is to encourage interaction and appreciation of the environment through thoughtful refurbishments of an existing stone barn. The emphasis is on light, flexibility, and comfort throughout the space.

Spatial Organization
The project transforms the original barn, previously used for storage, addressing its limited natural light. By removing heavy batten doors and introducing transparent materials, the layout enhances light flow inside. This arrangement promotes flexibility, as spaces can accommodate different functions such as communal kitchens, shared living areas, and private guest rooms. The design encourages community interaction and a sense of togetherness.

Natural Lighting
Natural light plays a key role in the design. A light tunnel is created by connecting three door openings, allowing sunlight to enter and circulate throughout the building. Roof openings are placed strategically to control direct sunlight, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere inside. The central courtyard acts as an atrium, bringing in vertical light while maintaining privacy for the enclosed guest rooms. This balance between openness and seclusion is essential to the overall experience.

Airflow and Ventilation
Airflow and ventilation are carefully considered to adapt to Latvia's changing climate. A sliding glass panel on the north side provides adjustable ventilation. This feature gives users control over natural air movement, contributing to indoor comfort during various seasons. Additionally, the opening above the courtyard facilitates cross-ventilation, enhancing the pleasant indoor climate that the design aims to achieve.

Material Integration
Timber is used for walls and windows, providing a warm and inviting finish that complements the original stone structure of the barn. This choice of material helps create a cohesive look that respects both new and existing elements. It reflects a focus on sustainability and local context in the design.

The combination of transparent materials and open layouts promotes a connection between inside and outside spaces. Guests can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape while benefiting from the comforts of a well-designed interior.

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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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