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Hollowed Concrete Retreat with Panoramic Views for Artistic Families

Author:
Zidan Zhao
Hollowed Concrete Retreat with Panoramic Views for Artistic Families

Project in-detail

Hollowed concrete forms rise within a glass enclosure to create a tranquil retreat on the shores of Černostes Lake, providing artists and their families with dedicated spaces for creative work and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hollowed concrete blocks house distinct functional areas.
02
Large windows enhance natural light and lake views.
03
Separate entrance for bedrooms ensures privacy.
04
Double-height studio allows for diverse creative setups.
05
Carpentry shop accessible from the exterior promotes functionality.

The Černostes Lake House and Studio is located in Malta Parish, Latvia, and serves as a retreat for two painters and their families. Positioned along the shores of Černostes Lake, the building is designed to foster both relaxation and artistic creation. The concept focuses on integrating large concrete blocks within a glass enclosure, providing clear functional spaces without sacrificing an open feel.

Functionality and Layout

The design skillfully organizes essential areas such as bedrooms, a library, a carpentry shop, and stairwells. This organization allows for smooth transitions from one space to another while offering dedicated areas for work and leisure. In the center of the layout, the painter's studio stands out, accessed from the south. Its double-height space is filled with natural light, enhancing the experience of creating art. Large windows connect the interior to the beautiful landscape outside.

Residential Comfort

Four bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged within the main concrete block. These spaces are designed to offer privacy for both parents and children. The two-story configuration includes a separate entrance, allowing guests to come and go without disturbing others. Each bedroom has a bathroom, adding to the comfort and practicality of the retreat for short visits.

Community and Interaction

The communal space is situated at the left end of the structure and is designed to encourage family gatherings. This area features a large dining table that accommodates eight people, along with a full kitchen and a fireplace in the living room. The layout takes advantage of the views of the lake, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for shared meals and lively conversations.

Material Choices

Durable concrete is a significant material in the building, chosen for its ability to withstand the elements, with stainless steel windows enhancing its clarity. Warm wood elements in the interior contribute to a cozy ambiance. The mass of the concrete plays an important role in managing the internal environment, helping to keep the space comfortable by stabilizing temperature and humidity levels.

The exterior has an angular design that complements the regional landscape, blending modern features with familiar local traits. The large glass panes reflect the surroundings and create a visual dialogue between the building and nature, inviting both light and views into the living spaces.

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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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