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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 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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