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Breeze-Way Gardens Enhanced By Local Timber and Stone Foundations for Artistic Community Retreat

Authors:
Blake Christenson, Erin Machado, Enrique Brimmer, David Ferengrino
Breeze-Way Gardens Enhanced By Local Timber and Stone Foundations for Artistic Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Local timber cladding and integrated breeze-way gardens create a unique setting for a communal space designed specifically for artists to collaborate and create, harmonizing with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Local timber is used for both exterior cladding and structural components, enhancing sustainability.
02
The integration of breeze-way gardens promotes biodiversity while offering tranquil outdoor spaces for creativity.
03
Large glass openings optimize natural light and connect interior spaces to the surrounding landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design minimizes material use while maximizing structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
05
The layout encourages collaboration among artists while providing designated areas for individual work.
The Painters' Lakehouse is a contemporary architectural project situated in Latvia that focuses on creating a functional space tailored for artists and their families. Comprised of a balance between communal living and personal studio space, the project aims to foster creativity and collaboration while maintaining a connection to the surrounding natural environment. The design effectively incorporates local materials and traditional construction methods, grounding the project in its cultural context.

The architectural layout features a central communal area, designed for gathering and shared experiences, while private studio spaces flank this central zone to provide solitude for individual artistic pursuits. Large glass windows enhance visibility and connection with the outdoors, promoting an open flow of natural light throughout the interior spaces. The building's orientation takes advantage of the site's scenic views, creating an immersive experience in the natural landscape.

Material Selection and Local Integration

The Painters' Lakehouse employs a thoughtful selection of materials that reflect the local architectural vernacular. The use of local timber for exterior cladding provides not only an aesthetic appeal but also durability against the Latvian climate. The stone foundation enhances structural integrity and connects the building spatially to its site. The sloped metal roof allows for effective water drainage and complements the overall silhouette of the building, maintaining continuity with regional architectural styles.

Unique Design Features

A key distinctive aspect of the Painters' Lakehouse is the incorporation of breeze-way gardens integrated into the layout. These gardens serve multiple functions, including ecological habitat support and providing spaces for relaxation and inspiration. This integration of nature into the design concept emphasizes the project’s sustainability goals and the importance of green spaces in residential architecture.

The design also places a strong emphasis on natural ventilation and lighting strategies. Large openings promote airflow and reduce reliance on artificial lighting, aligning with environmentally responsive architecture. This focus on ecological considerations underscores the project’s alignment with contemporary sustainable architectural practices, ensuring that it meets the needs of both its occupants and the surrounding ecosystem.

Functional Layout and Space Utilization

The organization of space within the Painters' Lakehouse emphasizes an efficient flow between communal and individual areas. Common areas are designed for interaction and collaboration, while private studios feature layouts conducive to artistic creativity. This duality encourages a sense of community among residents while recognizing the necessity of solitude for individual artistic work.

To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural design and functional elements of the Painters' Lakehouse, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that illustrate the nuances of this project. Such details illuminate both the design philosophy and practical applications within the artistic community space that the Lakehouse aims to cultivate.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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