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Curtain Systems and Large Windows Overlooking a Serene Lake Community

Authors:
Gun woo Jung, Jongyeon An, Jungwoo Park
Curtain Systems and Large Windows Overlooking a Serene Lake Community

Project in-detail

With a focus on integrating a flexible curtain system and large windows that frame picturesque views, the design fosters community living amidst the natural beauty of a tranquil lake setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curtain system allows flexible spatial reconfiguration.
02
Large windows provide uninterrupted views of the lake.
03
Historical foundation is preserved within the new design.
04
Community layout encourages interactions among residents.
05
Natural elements are integrated into everyday living spaces.

The project "Village in the Lake" is situated by a calm lake in Latvia, focused on building a sense of community within nature. It encourages connections among residents, promoting interaction and cooperation in daily life. The design integrates living spaces with the surrounding environment, ensuring personal areas exist alongside communal ones. This approach aims to improve the overall quality of life for its inhabitants.

Historical Context

An existing house on the site has been incorporated into the new design, maintaining its original shape and foundation. By keeping this historical element, the project connects the past to the present. It honors the original structure while introducing new features that offer modern living options. This blend of old and new creates a rich architectural experience.

Spatial Configuration

The layout is designed with open areas that encourage social interaction among residents. At the same time, these spaces provide enough privacy for individuals. A flexible curtain system allows room divisions to change based on residents' needs. This adaptability promotes a balance of community and personal space, catering to various lifestyles.

Connection to Nature

Large windows are a key feature, providing wide views of the lake and natural surroundings. These windows allow natural light to enter the homes and bring the beauty of the outside landscape into everyday life. The changing views throughout the seasons create a living connection between the interior spaces and the environment.

Environmental Sustainability

The design places a strong emphasis on caring for the environment. It encourages residents to engage with local nature, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the ecology. In this community, residents play an active role in nurturing their surroundings, creating a sustainable relationship with the environment that benefits everyone.

The structures blend into the landscape, and the large windows frame picturesque scenes, allowing residents to experience the beauty of their surroundings throughout the year.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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