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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Enhance Family-Centric Lake Living

Authors:
Antonios taxiarchis Theodorou, Christina Prakate, Vassilis Argyropoulos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Enhance Family-Centric Lake Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and integrating natural ventilation strategies, the design balances private family spaces with communal areas, creating a sustainable lakeside workshop and residence for creative living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor climate control.
04
Design balances communal spaces with private areas to support family interaction.
05
Situated to maximize views of the lake while minimizing environmental impact.

The Painters' Lake Townlet is a residential architectural project that encompasses the design of three houses and a communal workshop, situated in close proximity to a serene lake. The design concept promotes coexistence among families while fostering a strong connection to nature. It reflects a contemporary approach to both living and creating art, emphasizing interaction without compromising individual privacy.

The primary function of this project is to provide living spaces that accommodate two families, along with a shared workshop. The spatial arrangement is deliberately structured to encourage communal activities while maintaining personal areas. Each house features private spaces, while the workshop and outdoor areas serve as community hubs, facilitating interaction.

Sustainable design principles are woven throughout the project, focusing on the use of eco-friendly materials. Predominantly, wood serves as the primary cladding material, which aligns with environmental aesthetics. Concrete is utilized for structural elements, ensuring durability, while expansive glass windows have been integrated to optimize natural light and enhance views of the surrounding landscape.

Innovative design solutions are evident in various aspects of the Painters' Lake Townlet. The orientation of the buildings takes into consideration the local climate, notably managing cold north winds by regulating natural ventilation. The layout not only maximizes views of the lake but is also designed to blend seamlessly with the existing topography, minimizing environmental disruption. This project prioritizes recyclable materials, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.

A significant aspect of this architectural design is the emphasis on public versus private spaces. The houses are positioned around a central outdoor area, which serves as a catalyst for community interaction. The deliberate placement encourages informal gatherings without infringing on individual privacy, creating a balanced living environment.

To gain further insights into the Painters' Lake Townlet, including the architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation in detail. Understanding the uniqueness of this design will provide a deeper appreciation of its architectural ideas and their implementation within the context of contemporary living.

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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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