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Timber Framework Surrounded by Natural Stone in a Modern Guest House

Author:
Denis Avakov
Timber Framework Surrounded by Natural Stone in a Modern Guest House

Project in-detail

Constructed with a blend of timber framework and durable natural stone, the modern guest house seamlessly integrates an open terrace, offering a connection to the surrounding landscape while providing comfortable accommodations year-round.
5 key facts about this project
01
A blend of timber framework and natural stone enhances durability and aesthetic cohesion.
02
The open terrace design provides shade and strengthens indoor-outdoor connectivity.
03
Interior spaces are reimagined to offer comfort for both summer and winter use.
04
The structure retains its original facade, honoring the building's historical significance.
05
A modernized annex features a double-height living area for an expanded sense of space.

The project on the Ozolini farm, located about 100 km from Riga, involves turning a historical stone shed from 1850 into a modern guest house. The design focuses on keeping the essence of the original building while adding features that improve its usability. It illustrates how traditional architecture can mix with current living needs, reflecting a growing awareness of preserving history in new constructions.

Terrace Integration

An open terrace with a canopy has been added to what was once the broken-down area of the shed. This outdoor space provides shade and comfort, making it usable throughout the different seasons. The terrace effectively connects the inside of the guest house with the outside, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Preservation and Transformation

The second part of the design places importance on maintaining the original facade while making significant changes inside. This section has been transformed to become a comfortable living area suitable for summer and winter use. The balance between keeping historical features and updating the interior highlights the design’s respect for its past and its adaptation to modern life.

Modernized Annex

The last section consists of a modern annex that features a double-height living area combined with a kitchen. This setup encourages interaction and socializing, creating an open and airy feel. The design meets contemporary lifestyle requirements, offering a functional and welcoming environment for users.

Material Considerations

Natural stone and timber are key materials used in the guest house. The timber enhances the connection between the structure and its natural environment, contributing to the overall visual consistency. The stone provides strength and durability, ensuring the building withstands the elements over time.

The design culminates in a bright and spacious living area that opens to the terrace. Large windows invite natural light, framing views of the farm's landscape and enhancing the experience of both the interior and outdoor 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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