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Central Garden Framed by Blackened Timber in a Family Artist Retreat

Author:
Devin Dobrowolski
Central Garden Framed by Blackened Timber in a Family Artist Retreat

Project in-detail

Blackened timber cladding defines a family-oriented artist retreat, where a central garden complements distinct living and studio spaces, enhancing both functionality and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central garden that integrates living and working areas.
02
Constructed using a hybrid of framed and structurally insulated timber panels.
03
Features large openings that enhance natural light and optimize views.
04
Incorporates repurposed foundation walls from the original house.
05
Fosters a direct connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.

The Villa Atelier is designed as a residence and workspace for one or two painters and their families. Set within a rural landscape, it emphasizes a close relationship with nature, creating an environment that encourages artistic expression. The design concept features a single volume that unites living, working, and studio spaces, allowing for a balance between personal life and creative pursuits.

Architectural Concept

The layout inverts traditional villa designs, opting for a linear arrangement that connects various functional areas. This configuration fosters interaction among family members while also providing dedicated spaces for work and relaxation. The building’s orientation along cardinal axes allows for abundant natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, promoting a connection with the changing rhythms of the day.

Spatial Configuration

Living areas are distinct from the studio and workshop, offering privacy and focused environments for creativity. Shared outdoor patios connect these spaces, encouraging social interaction and community engagement. A central garden, framed by the original house's foundation walls, offers a quiet retreat, enhancing the overall atmosphere of reflection and inspiration.

Materiality and Structure

The building incorporates framed and structurally insulated timber panels, chosen for their efficiency and support. The exterior is clad in blackened timber, which contrasts with the warmth of the unfinished wood interiors. Large square openings in the facade are strategically placed to frame views and enhance natural lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere inside.

Design Details

Openings are thoughtfully sized to optimize ventilation and daylighting, contributing to energy efficiency. These design choices create a fluid connection between the interior spaces and the natural environment, embodying the artistic lifestyle the building is meant to support. The emphasis on light and space reflects a commitment to functionality while respecting the beauty of the surroundings.

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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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