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Timber-Infused Spaces with Integrated Rainwater Solutions

Author:
Lina Geseviciute
Timber-Infused Spaces with Integrated Rainwater Solutions

Project in-detail

Combining timber construction with integrated rainwater harvesting, the design transforms a traditional barn into a functional guest house that balances historical preservation and contemporary hospitality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Preserves the character of an existing barn while adapting it for modern functions.
02
Includes a mezzanine level to enhance spatial dynamics in the living area.
03
Utilizes integrated rainwater harvesting to promote sustainable water management.
04
Features distinct separate entrances for guest areas and workshop spaces.
05
Incorporates local timber to create a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Tea Makers Guest House is situated in a rural area, integrating modern hospitality with the character of a traditional barn structure. The guest house functions as a place for visitors while also housing a workshop and drying room. The design centers around preserving historical architecture while meeting current needs, resulting in a mix of old and new.

Preservation of Existing Structures
The approach focuses on keeping the original barn intact. It serves as the heart of the guest house, honoring its historical significance while adapting it for modern purposes. The barn has been reconfigured into a workshop, drying room, and open living area with a mezzanine, ensuring that its unique features remain visible and usable.

Spatial Arrangement and Zoning
The layout clearly separates guest accommodations from work spaces. Bedrooms and a kitchen with a dining space are arranged in a new extension that matches the original barn's proportions. Visitors access their rooms through a glazed battery hall and separate entrances, allowing for a distinct separation from the workshop. This thoughtful zoning enhances comfort for guests and maintains a productive environment in the workshop.

Sustainability Considerations
An important focus of the design is sustainability. Rainwater harvesting and solar glass are integrated to minimize environmental impact and efficiently use natural resources. These sustainable features reflect current architectural standards, helping to meet both ecological and practical requirements.

Materiality
Timber is the main material featured in the design. This choice connects to local building traditions and adds to the overall look of the guest house. Using timber not only supports sustainability but also helps the building blend into the surrounding rural environment, creating a coherent relationship with nature.

The combination of preserved historical elements and new spaces results in a well-considered guest house experience. The design fosters a connection to the landscape while providing a comfortable stay for visitors, focusing on their needs and the integrating environment.

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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

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