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Courtyard-Focused Design Enhancing Natural Light in a Writer's Retreat

Author:
Vanesa Abadi
Courtyard-Focused Design Enhancing Natural Light in a Writer's Retreat
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Maximizing natural light through a thoughtful arrangement of openings and a simple courtyard, the residence provides an ideal retreat for a writer in its serene lakeside setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large window openings enhance natural light throughout the interior.
02
Public and private spaces are strategically separated across floors.
03
The courtyard design allows for a direct connection with the landscape.
04
The house is positioned to take advantage of lake views to the west.
05
An open plan layout promotes fluid movement within the living areas.

The Lakeside House in Bandung, Kota Baru Parahyangan, serves as a residence for a writer and is situated on a plot of 500 square meters. The four-storey tower structure offers views of a lake to the west. The design aims to maximize natural light and ventilation while creating a balance with the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept

Natural light is a priority in the layout, achieved through numerous windows and openings. These design elements not only illuminate the interior spaces but also improve air circulation. The house embraces its surroundings with landscaping that includes trees and water features, enhancing the connection between the building and nature.

Spatial Organization

An open plan layout defines the structure, enabling easy movement within the different areas of the house. Public spaces, including the dining and living rooms, are located on the first floor for straightforward access. This arrangement encourages interactions among residents and guests. Meanwhile, private areas are positioned on the upper floors, with the master bedroom placed on the fourth level to provide a quiet sanctuary away from the common spaces.

Courtyard Design

The courtyard is designed simply, allowing the house to become the focal point within the landscape. This minimalist touch promotes functionality while creating a calm outdoor area that complements the indoors. The courtyard serves as a transition space, enhancing the bond between home and environment.

Large windows likely use glass, which supports the goals of fostering light and offering views of the attractive landscape. This design detail reinforces the house's connection to its natural setting, providing both visual appeal and practical benefits.

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

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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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