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Art Flow and Natural Light in a Concrete Retreat Beside the Lake

Authors:
Marcos Panayides, Dionysios Kakoulis
Art Flow and Natural Light in a Concrete Retreat Beside the Lake

Project in-detail

Two silos anchored by a central well enhance the flow of natural light and artwork in a concrete lake house designed for family living and creative collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two silos create distinct zones for communal and private living.
02
Atelier serves as a central hub for art and collaboration.
03
Integrated art flow system allows easy movement of artworks throughout the spaces.
04
The Garden of Imagination acts as a reflective retreat within the design.
05
Large openings frame views of the surrounding lake and forest.

The In-Between is a lake house designed for two families, including at least one artist. Located between a calm lake and a large forest, the project embodies principles of constant change and flow. The design encourages a close relationship with nature and artistic expression. It features shared living spaces along with private areas, allowing residents to engage with their surroundings while supporting creativity.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes two silos arranged symmetrically around a central well. This well represents the point of human interaction with the site. The silos create three distinct zones that are interconnected by smooth passages. This arrangement facilitates movement within the structure. The Atelier is the main common area where residents can come together, while the surrounding living spaces provide different levels of privacy.

Natural Light and Connection

Natural light is a key element in the design, especially in the Atelier. This space is brightened by several sources, including skylights, large openings facing the lake, and the entrance. The thoughtful placement of windows allows light to enhance the interior atmosphere. Direct views of the lake and the forest encourage residents to immerse themselves in nature, reinforcing the connection between daily life and artistic practice.

Artistic Integration

The design includes a system for moving art throughout the house. Rails on the walls of the silos enable artworks to be easily changed or relocated. This flexibility allows the space to evolve continually based on the needs of its occupants. The Garden of Imagination, located within one silo, serves as a peaceful retreat. It encourages visitors to explore their surroundings and think deeply about the relationship between the built environment and nature.

Materials and Aesthetic

The construction uses concrete for the silos, ensuring they are durable and stable. Local wood and stone are chosen for interior finishes, creating a link to the surrounding landscape. Marble flooring around the silos reflects light, enhancing the overall appearance. This careful selection of materials not only complements the overall design but also strengthens the connection between the people living in the house and their environment.

Large openings connect the Atelier to the outdoors, framing views of both the forest and lake. This design choice encourages the natural world to become a part of daily life, enriching the sense of space and light within the home.

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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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