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Floating Workshop Designed for Local Wildlife Habitat

Authors:
Giulia Cova, Ilaria Casula, Luca Capriccioni
Floating Workshop Designed for Local Wildlife Habitat

Project in-detail

Incorporating a floating workshop that enhances local wildlife habitats, the design serves as a retreat for artists, offering ample views of the lake while maintaining a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Openings in the roof provide habitat for a rare species of bats.
02
A path connects all structures, extending to a floating platform on the lake.
03
Mirrored double bedrooms enhance the spatial experience and privacy.
04
The design reveals lake views only after entering the house.
05
Panoramic corridors create a continuous flow between living and sleeping areas.

The Painters' Lake House is located in a tranquil setting that emphasizes the connection between living spaces and the natural world. Designed as a retreat for artists, the house provides extensive views of the lake from every room. The design concept centers on immersing occupants in their surroundings, creating an environment that encourages creativity while offering comfort and functionality.

Site Planning

The layout of the house separates living and sleeping areas to enhance both privacy and accessibility. With the entrance situated on the southern side, visitors experience a gradual reveal of the lake as they move inside. A large panoramic corridor connects the distinct areas, facilitating movement and maximizing the visual link to the outdoor landscape.

Living Spaces

The ground floor features a spacious living room designed to maximize natural light and lake views through a large window facing northeast. Next to the living room, the kitchen is easily accessible, promoting efficient use of space. A separate office looks out onto the workshop area, providing a productive workspace that supports artistic endeavors.

Sleeping Quarters

On the first floor, two mirrored double bedrooms share bathrooms that are accessible only from within each room. This design maintains privacy while creating a cozy environment for rest. An internal staircase in each bedroom leads to the upper level, offering expansive views of the lake from different angles, perfect for moments of reflection.

Ecological Integration

The design incorporates ecological considerations by making space for local wildlife, specifically a rare species of bats. Openings in the roof allow these bats to safely inhabit the space. This thoughtful inclusion reflects an awareness of the local ecosystem and enhances the connection between the house and its environment.

A standout feature of the Painters' Lake House is the workshop area, linked by a path that connects all structures and extends to the lake, forming a floating platform. This design element encourages artists to engage with nature and fosters collaborative activities. The connection to the environment enriches the experience, making the house more than just a living space, but a true haven for artistic exploration.

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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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