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Large Windows and Wood Slats Enhance Artistry in Lakefront Residence

Author:
Parallel Architects
Large Windows and Wood Slats Enhance Artistry in Lakefront Residence

Project in-detail

Large windows and wood slats define a residence that prioritizes natural light and artistic expression, designed to harmonize with its lakeside location while providing comfortable living for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large windows provide unobstructed views of the lake while maximizing daylight.
02
The painter's workshop is strategically positioned for ideal light and inspiration.
03
Wood slat assemblies create a distinctive texture on the façade.
04
A shared terrace promotes social interaction while maintaining privacy for families.
05
The design draws on traditional Latvian architectural elements for regional harmony.

Painters’ Lake House is located in the Latvian countryside, surrounded by beautiful landscapes that reflect the region's rich architectural history. The design focuses on sustainability while meeting the needs of its residents. It balances private and shared spaces, creating an environment that supports individual privacy while encouraging community interaction.

Layout Design

The architecture features two distinct living areas linked by a shared terrace. This layout promotes easy movement through the space and allows for both personal retreat and communal gatherings. Key areas include the kitchen, living and dining rooms, and private bedrooms. Each zone is crafted to maximize usability while responding to the dynamics of family life.

Workshop Integration

At the heart of the design is the painter's workshop, positioned strategically between the house and the lake. This location ensures plenty of natural light and stunning views, enhancing the space's functionality for artistic pursuits. The workshop is open and airy, promoting creativity and allowing residents to connect with both their work and their surroundings.

Natural Light and Aesthetics

Large windows dominate the northern façade, filling the interior with natural light and offering beautiful lake views. This thoughtful design choice contributes to energy efficiency, reducing dependence on artificial light. The house embraces a simple aesthetic, inspired by traditional Latvian architecture. This design ensures that the structure blends well with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing harmony between the built environment and nature.

Material Composition

A range of materials is used throughout the construction, including wood slat assemblies and metal roofing. Each material is chosen for its durability and functionality while keeping in mind the local context. The careful selection supports a warm, inviting atmosphere. Natural wood finishes contribute to the overall aesthetic, while large windows enhance the sense of openness, allowing the house to connect with the lush greenery outside.

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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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