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Mindfulness Box Crafted From Concrete and Embracing Natural Light in a Lakeside Living Environment

Authors:
Juan pablo Alarcon romero, Ana sofia Rivera araiza
Mindfulness Box Crafted From Concrete and Embracing Natural Light in a Lakeside Living Environment

Project in-detail

A mindfulness box constructed from robust concrete provides a focused retreat within a lakeside residence, seamlessly integrating private workshops and communal areas designed to inspire and nurture the creativity of artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with durable concrete for the mindfulness box, enhancing sound insulation and focus.
02
Incorporates large windows strategically placed to maximize natural light and lake views.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design, allowing for varied ceiling heights throughout the space.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and enhanced weather resistance.
05
Combines private workshops with communal areas to foster collaboration among artist residents.
The Dialogs Lake House is an architectural project strategically situated near a tranquil lake, designed primarily to serve the needs of artists. The project achieves a harmonious integration of living and working spaces while offering distinct areas for individual contemplation and community interaction. This dual approach not only promotes creative inspiration but also accommodates the diverse functional requirements of its inhabitants.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design incorporates a thoughtful spatial arrangement that prioritizes both personal and communal interactions. It is divided into three main areas: the Interior Focus Space Set, the Shared Space Set, and the Exterior Focus Space Set.

The Interior Focus Space Set includes workshops, a bathroom, a living room, and an enclosed courtyard, fostering environments conducive to reflection and creativity. The emphasis on private zones allows artists to flow between introspection and work seamlessly.

Contrastingly, the Shared Space Set emphasizes collaboration and interaction. It features communal areas such as a gallery/workshop, living room, kitchen, dining room, and laundry, encouraging the exchange of ideas and communal living.

The Exterior Focus Space Set consists of additional workshops, bathrooms, and a home office. This layout promotes a dialogue between indoor and outdoor experiences, allowing residents to fully engage with the surrounding landscape.

Unique Design Approaches

A defining characteristic of the Dialogs Lake House is its material selection and construction techniques. It primarily employs wood, concrete, and glass. Wood is used extensively throughout the interior, lending warmth and enhancing the domestic feel of the living spaces. Concrete plays a vital role in workshop areas and the mindfulness box, providing durability and sound insulation for focused work.

The project also features large windows and carefully considered orientations, maximizing natural light throughout the interior. This strategic design ensures that communal spaces remain bright and inviting, while also highlighting views of the lake and landscape, reinforcing a connection to nature.

The mindfulness box stands out as a unique element of the design, dedicated to personal reflection within a concrete structure that contrasts sharply with the more open and airy communal spaces. This thoughtful allocation of space acknowledges the varied needs of artists and emphasizes the balance crucial to creativity.

Appropriately, the project emphasizes an architectural dialogue—both among spaces within the house and with the surrounding natural environment. This interplay encourages a dynamic relationship between the residents and their setting, advocating for a harmonious coexistence.

Architectural Details and Elements

The Dialogs Lake House includes carefully designed architectural details that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The variance in ceiling heights contributes to the spatial diversity, while the integration of shared and private spaces reflects the architect's intent to foster creativity within a communal framework.

Material choices are critical to the project’s identity. The consistent use of wood throughout private spaces and the robust concrete in workshops results in an engaging contrast, establishing a tactile relationship between residents and their environment. The use of glass adds transparency, both literally and metaphorically, facilitating connections between indoor living and outdoor experiences.

Essential architectural plans and sections illustrate the project’s smart layout and spatial organization. The use of these architectural designs elucidates the thoughtful execution of spaces tailored for artistic living.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design intentions, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas and unique aspects that define the Dialogs Lake House.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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