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Biodiversity-Friendly Studio with a Green Roof and Local Wood

Authors:
Blake Christenson, Erin Machado, Enrique Brimmer, David Ferengrino
Biodiversity-Friendly Studio with a Green Roof and Local Wood

Project in-detail

With a green roof that fosters biodiversity and the strategic use of local wood, the retreat offers a collaborative and individual studio space tailored for artists and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project includes a dedicated bathhouse for relocating local bat populations.
02
Garden beds are incorporated to promote self-sustainability and local food production.
03
The design employs a wind tunnel effect for natural ventilation between spaces.
04
A green roof serves as both recreational space and biodiversity habitat.
05
Interior layouts prioritize both communal collaboration and private reflection areas for artists.

The Painters' Lakehouse and Workshop is a retreat designed for artists and their families, located in a calm rural landscape next to a tranquil lake and surrounded by fields. The design combines spaces for communal living with areas dedicated to art-making. Through this layout, it aims to support both individual creativity and collaborative artistic activities. The overall intention is to connect the building with its natural surroundings, enhancing the experiences of its occupants.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light plays an important role in the experience of the spaces. Windows and openings are placed throughout the structure to ensure ample illumination, making it a comfortable place to create. The design also features a clever use of wind to aid ventilation. By creating a path for the breeze between the living area and the workshop, it helps maintain a pleasant indoor climate. This feature not only benefits comfort but also stimulates creativity, allowing artists to feel more inspired.

Material Selection

The materials used in the Painters' Lakehouse reflect local traditions and are chosen with care. Wood is the primary material, providing warmth and a connection to the outdoors. Glass is used in windows to bring in views of the landscape and flood the interiors with light. Natural stone is included as well, offering durability while blending the structure with its environment. These materials work together to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Ecological Sensitivity

Consideration for the local ecosystem is central to the design. A small population of bats occupies the existing structure, leading to plans for their relocation to a specially constructed bathhouse. Keeping wildlife in mind highlights a commitment to protecting the natural environment while allowing for human habitation. Additionally, garden beds are incorporated to promote sustainable living, encouraging residents to grow their own food and develop a deeper connection with their surroundings.

Green Roof Functionality

The green roof is a prominent feature of the design. It serves multiple purposes, working as an outdoor space for relaxation and artistic activities. This part of the architecture encourages interaction with the outdoors, providing a pleasant area for artistic pursuits. The green roof also supports ecological benefits, like enhancing biodiversity and managing rainwater effectively. It fits well into the landscape and adds to the overall character of the project.

With its open layout, the Lakehouse invites natural light to flow freely throughout its spaces, making it an enjoyable place for creativity. While areas are designed for collaboration, cozy corners are made for quiet reflection, giving artists the chance to immerse themselves in their work.

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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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