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Cross-Laminated Timber Elevation Overlooking a Serene Lake Environment

Authors:
Bryan Crappe, Pierre Bruneau, Charles Parée
Cross-Laminated Timber Elevation Overlooking a Serene Lake Environment

Project in-detail

Elevated on a series of wooden piles, the structure showcases reclaimed materials and local stone, seamlessly integrating with its lakeside landscape to function as a creative residence and workshop.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure is elevated on wooden piles to preserve the natural ecosystem beneath.
02
Reclaimed wood from previous buildings on site enhances sustainability and historical continuity.
03
The workshop area features local stone, optimizing temperature regulation in warm weather.
04
Large windows frame views of the adjacent lake, fostering a strong connection to nature.
05
Cross-laminated timber is used extensively to provide structural stability and warmth in living spaces.
The project under discussion is the PAINT’house, an architectural endeavor located on a gently sloped site beside a tranquil lake in Latvia. This design is a thoughtful response to both the environment and the social context it inhabits, striving to create a harmonious relationship between the occupants and the surrounding landscape. The PAINT’house embodies a commitment to sustainability, effectively integrating it into the architectural fabric of the setting.

The PAINT’house is designed primarily as a residence, but it also features a workshop area, embodying the idea of a creative community space. The project represents not only a physical structure but also an invitation for interaction—between individuals, nature, and the artistic process itself. The living spaces are conceived with openness in mind, fostering a sense of connection and fluidity. Large windows serve as frames for picturesque views of the lake and forested backdrop, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors and promote a strong link to the outdoor environment.

Key architectural elements are evident throughout the PAINT’house. The structure is organized into two fundamental volumes, each serving distinct functions while remaining cohesive in form. The first volume, dedicated to residential use, is elevated on piles to preserve the natural flow of water beneath it, minimizing ecological disruption. This elevation not only enhances the design's respect for the landscape but also provides visual interest and variation in the building's profile.

Materials play a significant role in the PAINT’house design, emphasizing sustainability and a local context. The residential volume prominently features reclaimed wood, sourced from the remnants of previous buildings on the site. This choice not only honors the past but also reinforces the project’s commitment to recycling and minimizing new material usage. The internal structure employs cross-laminated timber, which not only provides stability but also exudes warmth throughout the living spaces. The exterior is clad in wooden tiles, crafted sensitively to blend with the natural surroundings while adding texture to the architectural expression.

Adjacent to the residential space is the workshop, constructed primarily from local stone. This choice reflects a deep connection to the geographical characteristics of the region while enhancing the cooling effect of the interior spaces. The workshop is designed as a versatile area that encourages creativity and collaboration among users, embodying the project’s intention to serve as a center for artistic endeavors.

What sets the PAINT’house apart is its unique approach to integrating architecture with the essence of nature. The design thoughtfully engages with the existing ecosystem, allowing flora to flourish beneath the elevated residential volume. This promotes biodiversity and sustains the environmental integrity of the site. Additionally, the interplay of natural materials and thoughtful spatial organization creates environments that are not only functional but also deeply resonant with the natural beauty of the site.

Overall, the PAINT’house is an example of how architecture can embody sustainable practices while fostering a sense of community and creativity. The careful selection of materials, combined with a design that encourages interaction with the landscape, highlights its significance as a place where residence and workshop coexist harmoniously. Those interested in further exploring the project will find an array of architectural plans and sections that illuminate its thoughtful design elements and spatial organization. For a deeper understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that the PAINT’house represents, we encourage you to review the project's presentation to appreciate its design outcomes and conceptual underpinnings.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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