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Corkboard Retreat Embracing Panoramic Lake Views

Authors:
Ellie Yip, Kristy Hiu Ki Lam, Amanda Nga Man Chan, Sangay Dorji Wangchuk, Kristy Hiu Ki Lam, Amanda Nga Man Chan, Sangay Dorji Wangchuk
Corkboard Retreat Embracing Panoramic Lake Views
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Constructed primarily from corkboard, the lakehouse seamlessly integrates panoramic views of Cernostes Lake, providing an inspiring workspace for painters and fostering a strong connection to the surrounding nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corkboard is the primary material, providing a sustainable and warm interior environment.
02
Large windows offer unobstructed views of Cernostes Lake, enhancing artistic inspiration.
03
The layout promotes natural light flow, connecting all rooms to the outdoor landscape.
04
A corridor features a large picture window, framing the scenic surroundings.
05
The design balances private and communal areas, catering to both family and artistic needs.

Gleznotāju Darbnīca is a lakehouse located by Cernostes Lake, designed as a workspace for painters. It features a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while focusing on creating an inspiring environment for artistic expression. The design maximizes panoramic views of the scenic setting, aiming to incorporate the beauty of nature directly into the experience of those using the space.

Materiality and Sustainability

Corkboard has been chosen as the main material for construction due to its low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness. This choice supports environmentally friendly practices and adds warmth to the indoor atmosphere. By using corkboard, the design promotes a sustainable approach while ensuring compatibility with its natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The design promotes easy movement throughout the lakehouse. Large windows are positioned to let in natural light, effectively connecting the indoor areas with the outdoor scenery. The layout ensures that stunning views of the lake are accessible from various rooms, adding visual interest and a deeper sense of connection with the environment.

Engagement with the Landscape

Windows, doors, and corridors are purposefully arranged to frame the natural beauty surrounding Cernostes Lake. For example, the bedroom windows face the lake directly, allowing clear views that can stimulate creativity. A corridor that leads to a large window creates a pathway from the entrance, enhancing the relationship between the building’s occupants and the landscape beyond.

The arrangement of spaces within the design carefully balances shared and private areas. This attention to organization meets the diverse needs of painters and their families, creating an environment that encourages both focus and family bonding.

A prominent feature of the design is the large picture window in the corridor. It captures the lake view, bringing the tranquil landscape into the everyday experience of its occupants.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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