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Cantilevered Roofs and Pine Logs Form a Sustainable Lakeside Retreat

Author:
Maneth carmel Nzayikorera
Cantilevered Roofs and Pine Logs Form a Sustainable Lakeside Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with half pine logs and a cantilevered roof, this lakeside residence integrates natural materials and sustainable design principles to create a comfortable retreat that fosters a strong connection with its surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced half pine logs for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features a cantilevered roof design that maximizes lake views while providing shade.
03
Incorporates expansive glass panels to foster a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
04
Utilizes natural stone for the foundation to blend harmoniously with the landscape.
05
Includes a flexible open floor plan that accommodates various lifestyle needs.

The Painter's Lake House is a residential architectural design located along the banks of a tranquil lake, emphasizing a sustainable living approach while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. The project balances modern functionality with a rustic aesthetic through its thoughtful use of materials and spatial organization. Designed to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants, the house promotes interaction with nature while providing comfortable and functional living spaces.

Natural Integration and Sustainable Design

The project distinguishes itself with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and a connection to its setting. The exterior is primarily constructed from half pine logs, which impart a rustic charm and assist with thermal efficiency. The use of stone in the foundation grounds the structure, providing stability while enhancing durability. Large glass panels are incorporated strategically to maximize natural light and outdoor views, allowing inhabitants to experience the beauty of the lake from within the home.

The architectural design features an open floor plan that fosters a sense of spaciousness and fluidity between areas. The ground floor integrates living, dining, and kitchen spaces, ensuring that the home caters to both social interaction and day-to-day living. Constructed with timber sheathing and insulation infills, the interior spaces remain comfortable throughout the year.

Unique Features and Spatial Arrangement

Distinctive elements of the Painter's Lake House include its cantilevered roof design, which not only provides weather protection but also enhances visual interest. The roof extends in line with the aesthetic choices, offering ample overhangs to shield windows from direct sunlight during the hotter months. The careful placement of structural elements, such as bearers and joists, ensures both a robust framework and an inviting atmosphere.

The configuration of the space prioritizes privacy without sacrificing connectivity to the natural surroundings. Bedrooms on the upper floor are designed as personal retreats, each strategically positioned to offer views of the lake while ensuring seclusion. This arrangement caters to both family dynamics and individual relaxation needs.

Exploration and Further Insights

The Painter's Lake House represents a thoughtful intersection of architecture, function, and environmental mindfulness. The project exemplifies how modern design can harmoniously coexist with nature while providing a high-quality living environment. For a deeper understanding of the project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentations available.

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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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