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Hollowed Concrete Blocks Framing Lake Views for Family Retreat

Author:
Zidan Zhao
Hollowed Concrete Blocks Framing Lake Views for Family Retreat

Project in-detail

Three hollowed concrete blocks create distinct living and working spaces, seamlessly framing expansive views of Černostes Lake in a family retreat designed for creativity and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three hollowed concrete blocks create separate zones for living, working, and privacy.
02
The central studio features a double-height space designed to maximize natural light.
03
Each bedroom includes en-suite bathrooms and views of Černostes Lake.
04
Large glass curtains allow flexible use of communal and private spaces.
05
The angular design harmonizes with the surrounding landscape while enhancing durability.

The Černostes Lake House and Studio is located in the quiet setting of Malta Parish, Latvia. It functions as a retreat for two painters and their family, designed to support both relaxation and creative work. Completed in 2022, the overall design concept features three large, hollow concrete blocks within a larger glass structure. This layout organizes the space efficiently, creating areas for private use and communal gatherings.

Spatial Organization

The building's interior is divided into specific zones that serve different purposes. Private bedrooms, a library, and a carpentry workshop are defined by the concrete blocks. This arrangement offers sturdy support while also allowing for areas that encourage both focused work and family time. The heart of the design is a double-height studio space that faces south. This design choice allows ample natural light to enter, nurturing an inviting environment conducive to creativity.

Privacy and Comfort

Within the central concrete block, four bedrooms are arranged over two levels. There is a dedicated entrance from the north, allowing for a degree of privacy for family members. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom and offers views of Černostes Lake. This thoughtful design prioritizes comfort and creates spaces that cater to individual needs while keeping family connections intact.

Communal Spaces

At the left side of the building, communal areas are created to encourage interaction among occupants. A large dining table for eight, along with a full kitchen, makes family meals easy and enjoyable. The living area features a fireplace, further enhancing the atmosphere while providing panoramic views of the lake. These shared spaces reinforce the aim of the design to foster family togetherness and relaxation.

The exterior of the structure maintains a balance between function and appearance. Weather-resistant concrete provides durability and serves as an insulator, while large glass windows connect the interior with the natural surroundings. This design choice invites the beauty of the lake and landscape into the home, creating a sense of unity between the building and its environment.

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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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