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Black Wood Atelier Framed by White Facade Overlooking a Serene Lake

Author:
Shizuka Watanabe
Black Wood Atelier Framed by White Facade Overlooking a Serene Lake

Project in-detail

Framed by a white facade and characterized by a black wood atelier, the design overlooks a tranquil lake, offering an inspiring space for artistic reflection and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed by a serene lake, the design emphasizes visual connection to its natural surroundings.
02
The workshop serves as a gathering point, linking three significant site elements.
03
A black wood interior contrasts sharply with the white exterior, enhancing aesthetic depth.
04
The layout promotes solitude and introspection, ideal for artistic pursuits.
05
Large windows allow natural light to flood the atelier while framing picturesque views.

Easel House is located by a calm lake, designed as a creative space for artistic pursuits. Emphasizing the idea of a white canvas, the structure seeks to blend artistry with nature. By creating an environment conducive to imagination, the building fosters a connection between the inhabitants and their surroundings. It offers both a place to think and work, allowing for personal expression within a harmonious setting.

Design Concept

The house occupies the footprint of an older building, demonstrating respect for its history while introducing a modern design. The layout features a workshop as a central point, linking three key areas: the hangar, the old well, and the south courtyard. This arrangement enhances the multiple functions of the house, creating a setting that inspires creativity and provides essential facilities for its users.

Materials and Aesthetics

The exterior of the building is finished in white, which contrasts sharply with the interior made of black wood. This choice creates a notable visual impact, while also echoing the materials found in traditional structures. The combination of colors adds richness to the overall experience of the house, allowing the interior spaces to feel warm and inviting while maintaining a clear connection to the outside environment.

Interior Experience

The atelier serves as the heart of the creative process, designed to encourage introspection and engagement with personal emotions. It allows artists to explore their thoughts in a space that prioritizes solitude and concentration. Large windows frame views of the lake, welcoming natural light and emphasizing the beauty of the landscape outside. This thoughtful design enhances the connection between the indoor space and the natural world, making every moment spent here an opportunity for reflection and inspiration.

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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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