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Ecological Integration with a Roof Garden Supporting Local Wildlife

Author:
Gabriele Riscazzi
Ecological Integration with a Roof Garden Supporting Local Wildlife

Project in-detail

A roof garden enhances energy efficiency while serving as a habitat for local wildlife, creating a sustainable living space designed for year-round comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Roof garden designed to provide insulation and support local bats.
02
Constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability.
03
Interconnected layout encourages social interaction while maintaining privacy.
04
Low-maintenance features reduce upkeep demands over time.
05
Natural ventilation maximizes energy efficiency and interior comfort.

The Painters' Lake House is a residential design that complements its natural surroundings while emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness. Located in a tranquil setting, it serves as a comfortable home, built to withstand various weather conditions. The design focuses on functionality and aims to create a living space that works in harmony with the environment.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

The architectural approach of Painters' Lake House is rooted in sustainability. It is constructed to resist the elements, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. This careful consideration leads to a structure that requires minimal maintenance, allowing residents to enjoy their home while keeping upkeep to a minimum.

SPATIAL LAYOUT

Inside the house, the layout is organized to balance personal privacy and shared living areas. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and common spaces are arranged to encourage social connection while providing comfort. This design fosters a sense of community among residents, while also respecting their need for personal space.

ROOF GARDEN

One significant feature of the Painters' Lake House is its roof garden. This element enhances the aesthetics of the building while improving its energy efficiency. The garden contributes to natural insulation by regulating indoor temperatures. Additionally, it provides a habitat for local wildlife, including a rare species of bat that uses the roof area for resting during warmer months.

MATERIALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION

The architectural style reflects a careful consideration of the surrounding landscape. The design maximizes the use of natural light and ventilation, which help improve energy efficiency. The shape and form of the house are created to blend with the environment, supporting a thoughtful approach in residential design that values both beauty and practicality.

The roof garden connects the building to the landscape while showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility. This thoughtful integration highlights the Painters' Lake House as an example of modern living that respects and nurtures both people and the natural world.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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