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Blackened Timber Cladding and Central Garden in a Flexible Artistic Workspace

Author:
Devin Dobrowolski
Blackened Timber Cladding and Central Garden in a Flexible Artistic Workspace

Project in-detail

With a layout that emphasizes a central garden and distinct volumes interconnected by a linear path, the design integrates blackened timber cladding and framed timber panels to create flexible living and working spaces for artists and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible layout designed specifically for artists' needs.
02
Central garden enhances community interaction and creativity.
03
Blackened timber cladding contrasts with warm unfinished interiors.
04
Large openings frame views of the agricultural landscape.
05
Separate volumes promote privacy while fostering collaboration.

The Villa Atelier is a rural residence designed for one or two painters and their families. Set next to agricultural land and gardens, the house presents a reimagined approach to a traditional villa. The design arranges living spaces, workshops, and studio areas along a linear path, allowing for both privacy and communal interaction. A central garden serves as a focal point, enhancing the experience of living and working in this environment.

Spatial Organization

The layout organizes different volumes for various activities, creating distinct areas for living, working, and socializing. The Carriage House provides essential functions, including garage space and storage. The Primary House features a kitchen, laundry area, and living spaces that together create a comfortable home. The Workshop, designed for carpentry and artistic endeavors, reflects the creative spirit of its occupants. In the heart of the house is the Studio, which consists of both large and small studio spaces along with sufficient storage, catering to the diverse artistic needs of the residents.

Material and Aesthetic Considerations

The choice of materials plays a key role in the Villa Atelier’s design. It incorporates a hybrid system of framed and structurally insulated timber panels, promoting energy efficiency and sound structure. Blackened timber cladding provides a sharp contrast to the warmth found in the unfinished wood of the interiors. Large square openings in the facade are carefully positioned to let in natural light and frame beautiful views of the landscape, enhancing the overall function and aesthetic of the spaces.

Connection to the Landscape

The design emphasizes a strong connection to the rural surroundings. Views of the agricultural landscape and nearby lake are accessible from each volume, creating a visual dialogue between indoors and outdoors. The arrangement around a central garden encourages outdoor communal spaces for social interaction, while also offering quiet areas for reflection. This separation of volumes not only contributes to the visual appeal of the residence but also creates a sense of balance with nature and the artistic practices of its residents.

Artistic and Functional Synergy

The Villa Atelier thoughtfully balances functionality and the expression of art. The linear layout allows flexibility in how residents use their spaces, accommodating both solitary work and collaborative activities. Communal gathering areas foster a sense of community among the inhabitants. Every design detail supports daily life, reinforcing the commitment to nurturing creativity and engagement within the living environment.

Exiting from the living areas, large square openings invite plentiful natural light in, framing views that draw the gaze towards the agricultural landscape, and effectively connecting indoor and outdoor experiences.

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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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