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Dried Trunks and Natural Light in a Studio-Home Balance

Authors:
Salman Zangeneh, Sepideh Seyfollahi
Dried Trunks and Natural Light in a Studio-Home Balance

Project in-detail

Utilizing dried trunks and optimizing natural light, this design merges a spacious studio with an intimate family home, creating balanced environments that enhance both artistic creation and domestic life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large windows maximize northern light for optimal creative conditions.
02
Dried trunk walls create a unique tactile connection to nature.
03
The family zone embraces introversion to enhance intimacy.
04
Adjustable shutters provide control over natural light and temperature.
05
Asymmetrical elements add visual interest within a symmetrical structure.

The Painter's House is an architectural design that embodies the relationship between family life and creative work. Located near a tranquil lake, the building serves a dual purpose: it is both a family home and an artist's studio. The design revolves around the concept of the "Dialogue of Dualities," emphasizing how two contrasting environments can coexist. This balance allows for a smooth transition between spaces dedicated to family and artistic expression.

DUALITY OF FORM

The project contrasts the studio and family area through its shapes and layout. The studio is designed as an expansive, open space that encourages creative thinking. With large windows facing north, it captures natural light and views of the lake, essential for artistic pursuits. In contrast, the family area offers a more enclosed feel, fostering warmth and intimacy. Its layout opens towards both the South and North, integrating the house with the surrounding landscape and enhancing family interaction.



NATURAL LIGHTING

Natural light is a key element in the design, influencing how spaces feel and function. The studio utilizes northern exposure, known for providing consistent illumination. Roof windows further enhance the light within the studio, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The careful arrangement of window sections allows for control over sunlight and temperature throughout the year, which enhances comfort and promotes creativity.



STRUCTURAL STRATEGIES

The structure maintains a balance between symmetry and asymmetry. The exterior features geometric symmetry, which helps streamline construction. Inside, however, the layout breaks from this regularity, adding variety and interest. Features like the fireplace are placed in asymmetrical positions, creating focal points and enhancing aesthetic appeal without overwhelming the space.



MATERIALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

Materials contribute significantly to the building's identity. Dried and cut trunks are used for wall construction, offering a tactile connection to the natural environment. This choice reinforces the theme of merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The design also incorporates narrow upper windows in the north façade, promoting natural ventilation. This aspect of the design enhances comfort by allowing airflow throughout the home.



The control of light and temperature is further emphasized through adjustable shutters on north-facing windows. This thoughtful detail provides flexibility, ensuring the interior environment can adapt to the changing seasons. The design's attention to these elements creates a comfortable setting for both family life and artistic creation.

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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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