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Elevated Workshop Surrounded by Natural Reed and Wood Houses

Authors:
Miruna-liana Alexandru, Diana Oancea
Elevated Workshop Surrounded by Natural Reed and Wood Houses

Project in-detail

With a painter's workshop elevated above a series of reed and wood houses designed for communal living, the project offers a distinctive spatial arrangement that prioritizes both connection to the landscape and functional creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated workshop enhances functional creativity within the community.
02
Reed and wood materials promote sustainability and local sourcing.
03
Double-height common space fosters interaction and engagement.
04
Bedrooms strategically oriented for optimal lake views.
05
Gradual transitions connect intimate courtyards with natural surroundings.

The Lake View House project is a residential development located by a scenic lake. It features five distinct housing units, all designed to take advantage of the beautiful views. The focus is on creating spaces that not only provide shelter but also promote a sense of community among the residents. The design is inspired by previous structures on the site, particularly an old house and barn, which informs the overall concept of repeatable housing forms. These forms create shared outdoor spaces that encourage social interaction.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the project is well thought out, enhancing both functionality and connection among the houses. Each unit has been placed with care, ensuring bedrooms face the lake for optimal views. Living rooms are designed with higher ceilings to draw attention to the natural beauty surrounding the site. The common area stands out with its double-height design, which invites social engagement and interaction. This arrangement allows all residents to enjoy the vistas, fostering a connection with the environment.

Distinctive Workshop

A key feature of the design is the painter's workshop, which is positioned at a different height than the residential units. This elevation not only highlights the workshop's purpose but also creates interesting spatial dynamics within the complex. It encourages movement toward this central working space, making it a place for creativity and collaboration among residents. The workshop serves as a hub that enhances the living experience for the community.

Material Selection

Sustainability is an important aspect of the project, evident in the choice of materials. Reed and wood are used for the walls and roofs. These materials are chosen for their local availability and beneficial properties, such as insulation against heat and sound. The emphasis on sustainability includes considerations for easy deconstruction and the potential for reuse, which contributes to reducing environmental impact. This approach enhances the durability of the homes while aligning with modern building practices.

Ventilation and Energy Efficiency

Ventilation has been carefully considered in the design, with the layout promoting natural airflow and ample natural light. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels demonstrates a commitment to renewable energy, addressing the need for sustainable energy solutions in contemporary living. This focus on energy efficiency, together with the project's aesthetic choices, creates a comfortable living environment that respects nature.

A noteworthy design detail is how the spaces connect through gradual transitions, leading residents through a series of inviting courtyards. These courtyards provide peaceful spots for relaxation, blending the built environment with the surrounding landscape.

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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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