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Central Tree and Large Windows Enhance Community Living in Nature-Integrated Home

Authors:
Andrea Daniela Avila Ramirez, Hermella Markos, Akash Gurramkonda, Abhishek Ojha
Central Tree and Large Windows Enhance Community Living in Nature-Integrated Home
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A central tree and expansive glass openings create a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor living, forming a adaptable home designed to accommodate families in the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central tree integrated within the living space enhances biophilic design.
02
Flexible partitions allow for customizable room layouts as family needs change.
03
Large glass windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding lake.
04
Design incorporates natural light to reduce energy consumption for heating.
05
The studio space fosters artistic collaboration through adaptable working areas.

The Lake Residence is located in the peaceful landscapes of Latvia, designed to blend traditional architecture with modern living. It serves as a home for various family sizes while highlighting the importance of connecting with nature. The design promotes a lifestyle that incorporates both cultural heritage and contemporary functionality, resulting in a living environment that resonates with its surroundings.

Flexible Living Spaces

The layout emphasizes adaptability, accommodating families ranging from one to five people. This is achieved through the use of movable partitions and furniture that allow residents to customize their spaces according to their needs. The design effectively balances private areas with communal spaces, providing comfort and practicality for everyday living.

Natural Integration

A key feature of the residence is a central tree, which provides a direct connection to the natural world. This tree is not just a decorative element but enhances the living experience by supporting a design philosophy that values biophilic connections. The residence features south-facing windows that contribute to passive solar heating, allowing natural light to warm the interior and create a welcoming ambiance.

Transparency and Interaction

The north façade primarily consists of glass, offering broad views of the surrounding lake. This design choice invites the outdoors inside, helping to break down barriers between the living environment and nature. Large windows in communal areas bring in daylight, reinforcing the connection to the landscape while enhancing the overall comfort of the home.

Artistic Collaboration

The design also includes a studio space intended for artistic collaboration. This area features both private and shared spaces, tailored to encourage creativity and flexible work setups. Sliding panels enable the studio to adapt to various activities, fostering a sense of community among users. This reflects a thoughtful approach to design that aligns with the overall aim of the residence.

The layout culminates in a pathway that leads to the lake, creating a clear relationship between the home and its environment. This connection reinforces the design's focus on living in harmony with nature.

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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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