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Burned Wood Panelling and Thermal Greenhouse in a Family Residence

Author:
Arturo Pacheco
Burned Wood Panelling and Thermal Greenhouse in a Family Residence
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With a facade of burned wood panelling and an integrated thermal greenhouse, the residence offers a unique blend of private and communal spaces for two families, carefully designed to enhance connections to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Burned wood panelling enhances durability while providing a distinctive texture.
02
The thermal greenhouse improves energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
03
Open-plan layout fosters a blend of private and communal living spaces.
04
Orientation maximizes natural light and lake views throughout the building.
05
Reimagined courtyard functions as a greenhouse to support seasonal climate control.

The design located in Cernoste, Latvia, resides within a scenic landscape next to a peaceful lake. It embodies a careful engagement with nature, emphasizing a concept that combines indoor and outdoor spaces. The structure functions as a residence for two families, allowing both shared and private areas to coexist. This thoughtful arrangement enhances daily life while considering sustainability and environmental care.

Design Concept

The main idea focuses on an open-plan layout on the ground floor, which separates two key functional areas using a central greenhouse. This greenhouse plays an important role, offering privacy for the workshop while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors. Such a design choice reflects an intention to promote well-being and encourage interaction with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

On the upper floor, the design includes a staircase and a balcony that divide the living areas of the two families. This configuration demonstrates an efficient use of space, permitting both communal gatherings and private moments within the same building. The thoughtful orientation of the structure maximizes natural light and provides ample views of the lake, fostering a sense of harmony with the outdoor setting.

Materiality

The facade features burned wood panelling, treated through the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban method. This technique enhances the wood's durability and adds a distinctive texture to the exterior. The choice of this material shows a focus on longevity and minimal maintenance while blending well with the natural surroundings.

Sustainable Design Features

The reimagining of courtyard space is evident in this design. By integrating the courtyard into the main structure, it becomes a functional greenhouse that ensures warmth in winter and improved airflow in summer. This innovative use of space aligns with modern architectural trends, which emphasize both practical function and environmental responsibility.

The wooden facade creates interesting plays of light and shadow, making the building dynamic throughout the day. These patterns enhance the dwelling's connection to its natural setting, providing a continuous reminder of the landscape's beauty.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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