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Bat Tower and Courtyard Blend in Artistic Residence by the Lake

Author:
Ronet Escalante
Bat Tower and Courtyard Blend in Artistic Residence by the Lake
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A unique bat tower serves as a focal point within a residence designed for artists, featuring a multipurpose courtyard that fosters community engagement while seamlessly connecting to the natural landscape of Lake Cernostes.
5 key facts about this project
01
A dedicated bat tower enhances local biodiversity and supports wildlife.
02
The building integrates a multipurpose courtyard for community engagement.
03
Large openings allow abundant natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Accessible design features ensure inclusivity for artists with disabilities.
05
Distinctive spatial organization promotes both individual work and collaborative spaces.

Atelier 21 is located on the south shore of Lake Cernostes in Latvia. It provides a space for artists to work, creating a setting that balances inspiration and collaboration. The design emphasizes the importance of both public and private areas, allowing artists to interact while also having the opportunity for personal reflection. This careful consideration of space is crucial to the process of creativity.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a well-planned arrangement of areas for various functions. There are two main entrances—one from the south and another from the north—that lead into an open courtyard, designed for communal use. Visitors are guided through internal corridors to painters' workshops and galleries, which are complemented by living spaces aimed at comfort. A specific tower for bats is integrated into the design, reflecting a commitment to supporting local wildlife and environmental awareness.

Design Aesthetics

The appearance of Atelier 21 is characterized by a minimal color palette that enhances its forms without distracting from the natural beauty surrounding it. While the materials are not explicitly detailed, large openings in the vertical panels allow considerable daylight into the interior. This arrangement helps to connect indoor spaces with the outdoors, making nature a visible part of daily activities and reinforcing the project's embrace of its ecological surroundings.

Accessibility Considerations

The design includes provisions for individuals with disabilities, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity. This attention to accessibility opens the space to a wider range of users, ensuring that various individuals can engage with the artistic community. The flexible spatial organization promotes both solo and group activities, making the environment adaptable for different types of creative expressions.

The bat tower stands out as a key feature, marking the southern entrance of the building. It serves as a habitat for local bat species while also providing a visual focal point. This element connects the architecture with the local ecosystem, reminding visitors of the delicate balance between built environments and nature.

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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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