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Elevated Studio Among Dark Gables with Natural Light and Shared Courtyard

Author:
Harri Ahonen
Elevated Studio Among Dark Gables with Natural Light and Shared Courtyard

Project in-detail

Elevated above a gently sloping landscape, the studio integrates dark gables and abundant natural light to create a serene living environment centered around a shared courtyard, serving as a guest house that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Guest house incorporates two identical symmetrical apartments for efficient design.
02
Enclosed courtyard promotes community interaction and connectivity.
03
Studio elevated on a slope enhances views and workspace tranquility.
04
Natural ventilation achieved through strategically positioned shafts.
05
Dark gables provide a unique aesthetic while blending with the landscape.

The design is located near the beach, replacing an older group of buildings with a contemporary structure that blends into the natural landscape. It represents a combination of traditional architecture and modern design elements. The goal is to create a functional space that encourages community interaction while ensuring individual privacy and comfort for residents.

Design Concept

The central idea features east-west gable roofs, which enhance the building's horizontal appearance and allow for maximum sunlight. At the core of the design is an enclosed courtyard that serves as a gathering space, offering a place for residents to come together while also providing access to the outdoors. Living areas face south to capture the sun, promoting a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside the guest house, two identical symmetrical apartments are laid out to facilitate movement and interaction. Living spaces are oriented toward the courtyard, while studio spaces open toward the north and the lake. This arrangement creates a peaceful environment for work, allowing the communal lounges to be used without disturbing residents in the studio.

Material and Structure

The building utilizes a wooden frame construction, which is supported by load-bearing and ventilated floor bases. This choice helps ensure structural stability while maintaining a connection to the environment. The design also incorporates natural ventilation through strategically placed shafts, improving air quality inside. An additional storage shed in the yard organizes waste disposal and maintains outdoor items, enhancing overall utility for residents.

Design Detail

The slope of the land is utilized to elevate the studio space, offering unique views of the surrounding area and creating a clear distinction between living areas. This elevation not only enhances the internal organization of spaces but also contributes to a peaceful and adaptable environment. The studio’s self-contained features further support this, making it a practical choice for focused work and relaxation.

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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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