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Lake-View Studios with Shared Courtyard and Timber Warmth

Author:
Harri Ahonen
Lake-View Studios with Shared Courtyard and Timber Warmth
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With its unique lake-view studios and a central shared courtyard, the design integrates warm timber elements and practical amenities to create a tranquil guest house that enhances community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two symmetrical apartments provide a balanced layout for residents.
02
A central courtyard fosters community interaction and offers protection from external elements.
03
The studio is positioned to maximize lake views and natural light.
04
Ventilation shafts enhance air quality throughout the living spaces.
05
Wood and concrete elements create a harmonious blend of materials in the design.

The design is located in a coastal area, where it replaces an older group of buildings. The overall concept combines traditional and modern elements, creating a structure with east-west gable roofs and a central enclosed courtyard. The intention is to harmonize with the landscape, producing a consistent appearance that respects its natural surroundings.

Layout and Spatial Organization

Inside, the guest house contains two identical symmetrical apartments. Each living area faces south towards the entrance courtyard, while studio spaces look north toward the lake. This arrangement helps to separate quiet sleeping areas from shared living spaces, enhancing comfort and privacy for residents.

Courtyard and Outdoor Connectivity

The shared courtyard is a central feature, encouraging interaction among residents while offering a sheltered area for relaxation. Open passages provide easy access to both the courtyard and the beach, reinforcing the connection between indoor living and the outdoors. This thoughtful integration enhances the overall living experience.

Topography and Functional Considerations

The site’s slope is used effectively, giving the studio additional height and unique spatial qualities. This approach creates distinct levels within the design. The studio includes necessary amenities, such as a private toilet and storage space. Furthermore, a loft area serves as an additional space for relaxation.

Materials and Structural Integrity

Construction primarily involves wood with a ventilated load-bearing floor base that provides necessary support. Cast concrete is used for the plinths, adding stability to the foundation. The design features natural ventilation through shafts in living spaces and the studio, improving air quality and thermal comfort.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project. A designated area in the yard for storage, including waste and maintenance equipment, helps maintain organization in outdoor spaces. This practical approach to design enhances functionality while preserving aesthetic unity.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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