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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

Project in-detail

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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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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