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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Design Unite for a Serene Lakeside Retreat

Authors:
Nenad Nikolić, Olivera Lekić glavan, Miloš Šapić, Asija Fakić
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Design Unite for a Serene Lakeside Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design harmoniously integrates with its lakeside setting while offering an inviting space for communal living and creative inspiration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while creating a distinctive aesthetic that blends with the environment.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and energy efficiency in the design.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes internal height and natural light throughout the living spaces.
04
Movable exterior panels allow for dynamic interaction with the surrounding landscape and shifting weather conditions.
05
The layout promotes both communal interaction and private retreat, reflecting the dual nature of modern living.
The Painter's Lake House is an architectural project that exemplifies a thoughtful integration of built environment and nature, strategically situated to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This design represents a commitment to creating a living space that fosters creativity and community engagement while maintaining a strong connection to its surrounding landscape. By prioritizing harmony with the natural world, the house serves as both a personal retreat and a communal gathering place.

The project operates on multiple levels, fulfilling the needs of its occupants through thoughtful spatial organization and a careful selection of materials. The architecture features an open-plan layout that facilitates a dynamic flow between private and shared spaces. Living areas are oriented towards the lake, ensuring that occupants can fully appreciate the scenic views and natural light that permeate the house. Essentially, the design offers a balance between intimacy and communal interaction, allowing family members and guests to enjoy a sense of connection, whether in the privacy of their rooms or in shared living spaces.

The material palette is central to the design’s success. Wood serves as the primary material for both structural elements and cladding, providing warmth and a tactile quality that enhances the living experience. In combination with expansive glass that creates transparency, the design invites the surroundings into the home and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Concrete is utilized for foundational and structural elements, offering a sense of permanence and modernity that complements the natural materials. Additionally, the use of composite wood panels adds flexibility to the façade, enabling a variation in aesthetics and an adaptable response to environmental conditions. This strategic choice of materials reinforces the architectural ethos of sustainability and comfort.

Examining the design's unique characteristics reveals innovative approaches that distinguish the Painter's Lake House. One of its most notable features is the dual-pathway system that encourages exploration of the home and its gardens. This element not only enhances the movement within the project but also invites diverse experiences and interactions among residents and visitors. Furthermore, the dynamic façade, with its moving wooden panels, allows for a continually changing exterior that reflects the time of day and activities occurring within. This adaptability fosters a sense of life around the building, making it an integrated part of the community.

The landscape surrounding the house is thoughtfully designed to enhance the living experience. Nature is not merely a backdrop but an integral aspect of daily life for those within the house. Careful plantings and outdoor spaces are designed to promote recreational activities while providing aesthetically pleasing visuals that change with the seasons. The project positions nature as a central element of its identity, reinforcing the architectural narrative of connection and harmony.

The Painter's Lake House is a prime example of how architecture can navigate complex relationships between individuals, their communities, and the environment. By prioritizing transparency, functionality, and integration, this project stands as a testament to the potential of contemporary design to evoke a sense of place and belonging. It represents a thoughtful approach to creating spaces that support everyday living while simultaneously encouraging social engagement and artistic inspiration.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural elements of the Painter's Lake House, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide valuable insights into the intent and execution of this project. Exploring these components allows for greater appreciation of the careful thought that underpins the design and how it seeks to enhance the occupants' experience while respecting the beauty of its natural surroundings.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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