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Timber-Infused Spaces with Integrated Rainwater Solutions

Author:
Lina Geseviciute
Timber-Infused Spaces with Integrated Rainwater Solutions
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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