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Bat Sanctuary Tower Overlooking Cernostes Lake with Accessible East Wing

Author:
Ronet Escalante
Bat Sanctuary Tower Overlooking Cernostes Lake with Accessible East Wing

Project in-detail

The tower designed to accommodate local bat populations provides a unique focal point for the Atelier 21 residency, which seamlessly integrates accessible living and working spaces for artists alongside expansive views of Lake Cernostes.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower integrates features to support local bat populations.
02
The East wing is designed specifically for accessibility.
03
Terraces provide direct views of Lake Cernostes.
04
Communal areas encourage collaboration among artists.
05
Natural light is maximized through strategic orientation.

Atelier 21 is located on the south shore of Lake Cernostes in Latvia, designed to support artists engaged in fine arts. The setting enhances creativity, surrounded by nature and tranquility. This project blends living and working spaces, fostering both collaboration and personal reflection. The overall design concept emphasizes connection and interaction, allowing for artistic exploration.

Central Axis and Functional Layout

A central axis defines the layout, originating from an eye-catching tower that also serves as a haven for local bats. This axis links various functional areas, including a kitchen-dining room, meeting spaces, and workshops. Each area is arranged to support both communal activities and solitary work, ensuring a balanced experience for artists. The thoughtful organization promotes easy movement and interaction among users.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Part of the building focuses on accommodating individuals with disabilities. The East wing features design elements that allow all residents to navigate the space comfortably. This emphasis on accessibility contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels included in the artistic community. The design supports a diverse range of users, promoting interaction among artists of different backgrounds.

Environmental Integration and Orientation

The design takes advantage of its surroundings, with terraces providing views of Lake Cernostes and encouraging outdoor engagement. The building’s orientation captures natural light, benefiting all spaces throughout the day. This arrangement not only improves visibility but also makes the building more energy-efficient. The layout encourages users to connect with nature and fosters a sense of calm.

Ecological Considerations

Alongside functional aspects, Atelier 21 includes ecological features like a bat house within the tower. This addition highlights a commitment to supporting local wildlife and biodiversity. The architectural decisions reflect a desire to integrate with the environment, allowing residents to appreciate both their surroundings and the artistic process. Such elements emphasize the relationship between art and nature.

Light filters through the building’s design, creating varied shadows and enhancing the overall atmosphere. This dynamic interplay enriches the experiences of those who work and create within Atelier 21.

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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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