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Wooden Cladding and Lake Views in a Nature-Infused Guest Experience

Author:
Armend Begisholli
Wooden Cladding and Lake Views in a Nature-Infused Guest Experience
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Constructed with wooden cladding and designed to maximize lake views, the guest house offers a unique retreat focused on wellness and communal experiences in a tranquil natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced wooden cladding for environmental integration.
02
Features dedicated spaces for tea production, enhancing communal interaction.
03
Designed to capture panoramic views of the adjacent lake and forest.
04
Includes yoga and meditation areas to promote wellness activities.
05
Focuses on energy efficiency through well-planned insulation and roofing.

Latvian Vernacular Wooden Homes presents a thoughtful approach to living in harmony with nature. Located in a rural area, the setting encourages a connection between the residents and their surroundings. The design concept revolves around the idea of NATUconnect, highlighting the significance of nature in daily life. The aim is to create a space that accommodates both private reflection and community interaction, providing a well-rounded living experience.

Spatial Organization

The layout is carefully planned to prioritize both function and tranquility. Spaces are clearly defined and organized, which helps to create a logical flow throughout the guest house. Key features include a living room, kitchen, yoga and meditation areas, and several bedrooms. Each space is positioned to capture views of the forest and lake, allowing residents to engage with the landscape. This arrangement promotes relaxation and encourages social connections among guests.

Material Choices

The materials used reflect local building traditions while meeting modern needs. Exterior wooden cladding is a prominent feature, honoring the region’s architectural history. This choice also contributes to energy efficiency. Additionally, roofing underlayment, insulation layers, and wooden finishes are utilized to enhance comfort within the home. These materials not only support sustainable practices but also connect with the cultural heritage of Latvia.

Community Engagement

A significant element of the design is the intention to foster community. Specific areas for tea production, including a making workshop and drying facilities, are included to promote interaction among guests. These spaces invite collaboration and shared activities, linking visitors to local customs and traditions. The layout encourages a sense of togetherness and creates opportunities for learning and connection.

The arrangement of the guest house allows for a strong interaction with the natural environment. Each space is filled with light and designed to let nature play a role in the daily lives of residents. Overall, the design offers a living experience that respects both craftsmanship and the soothing qualities of the landscape.

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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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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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