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Artful Retreat with Bat Houses and Expansive Glazing Overlooking the Lake

Authors:
Martina Roscio, Carlotta Schembri, Gaia Sicilia
Artful Retreat with Bat Houses and Expansive Glazing Overlooking the Lake
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With its large glazed windows framing the views of Cernostes Lake and integrated bat houses promoting local biodiversity, the design serves as a communal retreat for families and artists seeking inspiration and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large windows offer uninterrupted views of Cernostes Lake.
02
Integrated bat houses enhance local biodiversity and ecological awareness.
03
Artist's studio provides a dedicated creative space within the retreat.
04
Common area balances private living with communal interaction.
05
Workshop and laboratory designed for natural light and inspiration.

Painters' Lake House, located in Latvia, accommodates two families for a three-month stay. The design combines living areas with spaces dedicated to creativity, aiming to support both family interactions and personal quiet time. Key to the concept is the close connection to the natural surroundings, emphasizing ecological awareness throughout the layout.

Dual House Layout

The project features two houses, each designed for four to five occupants. Each house includes two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, providing privacy while allowing families to be close together. A connecting common area with a kitchen and living room enhances the social experience. This design carefully balances private and communal spaces, allowing for both togetherness and solitude.

Artist's Studio

Integral to the setup is an artist's studio designed to promote creativity. Positioned advantageously, the studio maximizes natural light, offering views of Cernostes Lake beyond. This distinct space is crafted to foster artistic work, aligning with the purpose of the houses. Residents can engage in their creative passions while being surrounded by the tranquil setting of the lake.

Ecological Planning

Outside, the design includes workshop and laboratory areas that feature large windows, allowing ample daylight to enter. These spaces are isolated yet connected to nature, enhancing occupants' experience with the environment. Features such as bat houses installed in nearby trees show a commitment to local wildlife, reflecting an ecological sensitivity that informs the overall design.

Natural Integrations

Throughout the project, large windows blur the lines between inside and outside. This thoughtful design choice brings the beauty of the Latvia landscape into the living spaces. Daylight floods the interiors, creating a feeling of connection with the outdoors. The result is a nurturing environment that enhances daily life while celebrating nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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