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Indoor Garden and Triangular Roof Enhance Artistic Living by the Lake

Authors:
Liu Wei nan, Liu Xiaohu
Indoor Garden and Triangular Roof Enhance Artistic Living by the Lake

Project in-detail

With a triangular roof and integrated indoor garden, this lakeside residence harmonizes artistic living and ecological sensitivity, offering both a studio and communal spaces for artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular roof design enhances visual connection with the landscape.
02
Extended roof elements provide resting spots for local bats.
03
Indoor garden serves as a greenhouse during winter months.
04
Wooden tiles add texture and align with local architectural traditions.
05
Steel framework allows for flexibility in interior space configurations.

The Painters’ Lake House, located in Latvia, is designed to create an inspiring space for artists. Set against the tranquility of a lakeside backdrop, the residence combines workspaces and living areas. This integration allows for personal artistic exploration as well as opportunities for social engagement. The design emphasizes a connection with nature, enhancing the overall experience for its inhabitants.

Architectural Concept

The layout consists of key areas including an artist studio, a living room, a gallery, parking, residential units, and a storage/carpentry workshop. By carefully planning these spaces, the design enhances movement and promotes views of the lake, establishing a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape. The structure balances areas for focused work and relaxation, reflecting the diverse needs of artists.

Materials and Structure

Influenced by traditional Latvian architecture, the design features a prominent triangular roof shape. This detail respects local cultural context while creating a visual connection with nature. The roof incorporates wooden tiles, which not only add texture but also consider the practical aspects of durability and maintenance in Latvia’s climate. At its core, the building uses steel beams and columns that are enclosed in wood, yielding a sturdy structure. This approach allows flexibility in the interior spaces, accommodating various artistic practices.

Interior Spaces

The artist studio serves as a dedicated workspace, designed to foster concentration and creativity. Next to it is a living area intended for hosting visitors. This space takes advantage of wide views of the lake, enhancing its appeal. An indoor garden is part of the living space, acting as both a visual element and a greenhouse during winter. This connection to nature enriches the environment and supports the residents’ well-being.

Environmental Considerations

Extended roof elements are a unique feature, providing resting spots for bats and showcasing a commitment to ecological sustainability. This consideration highlights the project’s goal to blend construction with the local ecosystem. The result is a careful balance that respects the relationship between built and natural environments.

The Painters’ Lake House serves as a thoughtful example of how architecture can support artistic life while remaining attentive to its surroundings. It invites creativity and fosters inspiration with each carefully designed detail.

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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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