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Glazed Workspaces Overlooking Cernostes Lake With Eco-Friendly Bat Houses

Authors:
Martina Roscio, Carlotta Schembri, Gaia Sicilia
Glazed Workspaces Overlooking Cernostes Lake With Eco-Friendly Bat Houses

Project in-detail

With large glazed workspaces and integrated bat houses, the design offers a unique connection to the natural environment while accommodating two families for seasonal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large windows provide panoramic views of Cernostes Lake.
02
Integrated bat houses support local wildlife and biodiversity.
03
The layout encourages both communal living and individual privacy.
04
Artist's studio designed to foster creativity and inspiration.
05
Workshop and laboratory enhance the connection to nature.

Cernostes House, located in Latvia, accommodates two families for seasonal habitation. The design aims to create a balance between private spaces and communal areas, allowing family members to connect while also having their own sanctuary. The layout integrates natural elements, emphasizing a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Residential Components

Two separate houses form the core of the design, each consisting of two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, suitable for four to five occupants. This arrangement provides comfortable living while allowing privacy. The houses connect through a shared common area with a kitchen and living room, encouraging family interactions without compromising individual space.

Workspaces and Artistic Integration

The design includes an artist's studio, a workshop, and a laboratory that are strategically placed to enhance the connection to nature. Large windows in these areas bring in natural light and provide views of the nearby Cernostes Lake. This setup supports creativity by allowing artists to draw inspiration from their surroundings, fostering an atmosphere that is both calming and motivating.

Ecological Considerations

The project also features bat houses installed in the trees nearby, highlighting ecological awareness in its planning. This inclusion aims to support local wildlife and enrich the ecological environment. By considering these aspects, the design promotes both human habitation and biodiversity in the area.

Distinct Design Features

Cernostes House is characterized by its focus on natural light and the thoughtful arrangement of its spaces. The large windows and open layouts create a feeling of flow, ensuring that indoor and outdoor experiences are interconnected. This design encourages a tranquil atmosphere that supports both family life and artistic expression.

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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

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