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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating Define Sustainable Lakefront Living

Authors:
Alexandrina Mateeva, Tsvetelin Tsvetanov, Tsvetelina Bacheva
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating Define Sustainable Lakefront Living

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles and a geothermal heat system, this lakefront residence offers a sustainable retreat that harmonizes modern living with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance both durability and ecological performance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and thermal insulation.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Integrates a ground source heat pump for energy-efficient heating.
05
Each guesthouse includes composting toilets to minimize environmental impact.

### Overview

Located on the northeastern part of a site adjacent to a lagoon, the residential design for MY Lake House integrates contemporary architectural practices with sustainable principles. The intent is to create a space that facilitates both intimate and social interactions among its occupants while harmonizing with the natural landscape.

### Spatial Organization and Architecture

The design emphasizes a balanced coexistence with the site's topography, utilizing zoning strategies that differentiate personal retreats from communal areas. The arrangement of the structures guides visitors on a progression from forested spaces to extensive lagoon views, promoting a sense of exploration. The architecture features sharp angles and varying heights, with the main house positioned at a 45-degree angle to maximize sunlight exposure. This unique geometry contributes to a contemporary aesthetic while minimizing the ecological impact on the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality. Key elements include:

- **Wood**: Incorporated in the structural framework and internal finishes, wood adds warmth and connects the interior with the natural surroundings.
- **Glass**: Expansive glass panels in the main house facilitate natural light entry and provide panoramic views of the lagoon, enhancing the occupants' connection to the environment.
- **Metal Cladding**: Durable black metal roofing and siding are selected for their modern appearance and resilience to harsh climatic conditions.

Additionally, the project incorporates a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), which directly utilizes groundwater for heating without disrupting local ecosystems. This feature, along with the use of green roofs on the guesthouses, illustrates a proactive approach to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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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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