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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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