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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms Defining a Lakeside Creative Retreat

Authors:
Hossein Riahi, Aida Faghir
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms Defining a Lakeside Creative Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of charred wooden shingles and modular geometric forms creates a distinctive lakeside environment designed to inspire creativity and collaboration among artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes both spatial dynamics and natural light.
04
Modular configuration allows for adaptable interior layouts suited for various artistic practices.
05
Strategically placed windows maximize views of the surrounding lakeside landscape.

The Painter Lake House is an ambitious architectural project designed to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing retreat for artists. Situated in a calm lakeside setting, the design incorporates a blend of communal and private spaces intended to foster creativity and collaboration among inhabitants. The project is characterized by its integration with the surrounding landscape, making use of natural materials and environmental strategies to reduce its ecological footprint.

Architecturally, the Painter Lake House utilizes a modular configuration that prioritizes flexibility in both spatial organization and usage. The structure consists of two distinct levels: the ground floor housing communal areas such as the kitchen and living room, while the upper floor is dedicated to private living quarters. This arrangement not only encourages interaction among users but also provides spaces for personal reflection.

Sustainable design principles are woven throughout the architecture, with a focus on the use of local materials, particularly wood and concrete. Large glass windows are incorporated to optimize natural light and enhance the connection with the outdoor environment. This effectively supports energy efficiency and reduces reliance on artificial lighting, aligning the project with contemporary sustainability standards.

Landscape Integration and Modular Design

One of the defining features of the Painter Lake House is its responsive approach to the geographical context. The design incorporates varying roof pitches and angular forms, which mimic the natural topography of the site. This approach mitigates strong winds and incorporates rainwater collection, demonstrating an innovative response to environmental challenges. The exterior cladding, consisting of wooden panels arranged in a patchwork pattern, not only offers aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to local architectural traditions.

The modular layout allows for adaptability, with spaces that can be reconfigured to meet the evolving needs of the users. This flexibility positions the Painter Lake House as a versatile environment conducive to various artistic practices, from painting to sculpture. The thoughtful design encourages a dynamic interaction between private creative endeavors and communal artistic experiences.

Community and Collaboration

The Painter Lake House establishes a community-focused setting that fosters collaboration among artists. By incorporating communal areas where cooking and living occur, the design promotes social interactions and shared experiences, essential for creative exchanges. The central living area acts as a hub, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, while the more secluded upper levels provide individuals with spaces for concentrated work and personal exploration.

Natural light and views of the lake enhance the overall atmosphere of the project, facilitating inspiration and reflection. The careful placement of windows and outdoor spaces allows occupants to engage with the environment, further enriching their creative processes.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Painter Lake House project, including architectural plans and sections, as well as detailed exploration of architectural designs and ideas, it is encouraged to examine the presentation of this innovative architectural endeavor. The technical details and unique design approaches present a strong case for the project's role in advancing contemporary architecture focused on art and community.

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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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