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Concrete Silos and a Garden of Imagination in a Family Retreat

Authors:
Marcos Panayides, Dionysios Kakoulis
Concrete Silos and a Garden of Imagination in a Family Retreat

Project in-detail

The combination of concrete silos and a thoughtfully designed garden creates a distinctive backdrop for a lake house that serves as a retreat for two families, fostering artistic expression and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes two concrete silos that serve as functional and visual anchors within the layout.
02
A central Atelier connects living spaces, promoting collaboration and artistic interaction among families.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategic skylights and large openings facing the lake and forest.
04
The "Garden of Imagination" serves as a unique interface between the indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Local materials, such as wood and stone, reinforce sustainability and regional specificity in the construction.

The "NORTH VIEW" project is a lake house designed for two families, creating a place for them to gather and engage in artistic practices. Located between a calm lake and a lush forest, the design focuses on the connection between the built environment, nature, and the act of creating art. The aim is to provide a space that inspires creativity and fosters family interaction while highlighting the themes of change and flow.

Architectural Layout

The layout features a central Atelier that connects two guesthouses, forming a unified structure. This arrangement includes three main zones: private areas, such as bedrooms, and shared spaces like the kitchen and living room. The design considers the need for privacy while promoting social experiences among family members, emphasizing the significance of togetherness during their stay.

Silo Integration

Central to the design are two silos, positioned around a well. These structures play a crucial role in organizing the space. They act as dividers, regulating how common and private areas relate to each other. By creating visual boundaries, the silos enhance the experience of moving through the house. Inside the silo area, the “Garden of Imagination” functions as a creative link between indoor and outdoor elements, inviting residents to explore their environment.

Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is important for the overall design and its connection to nature. The silos are made from concrete, providing a sturdy and low-maintenance structure. Local wood is used for the walls and roofs, supporting sustainable practices and reflecting the local context. Stone forms the flooring, adding texture and warmth to the interior, while marble is used in the areas around the silos. This choice of material enhances the light in the space and creates a connection to the surroundings.

Design Details

The Atelier is designed with multiple openings that offer views of the lake and forest, allowing natural light to fill the space. Skylights and well-placed windows promote a bright and inviting atmosphere. This design choice not only connects the inside of the house with the outside but also supports the central idea of integrating art with nature. By creating such visual connections, the spaces encourage occupants to engage with both their surroundings and their creative work.

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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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