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Natural Integration with Yakisugi Wood and Communal Fire Pit Retreat

Authors:
José Alberto Hernández Natividad, Estefanía Goméz Jiménez, Pablo humberto Oliva Iruretagoyena
Natural Integration with Yakisugi Wood and Communal Fire Pit Retreat
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Constructed with Yakisugi wood and designed around a central communal fire pit, the retreat offers artists a focused environment for creativity and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Yakisugi wood for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a central communal fire pit designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
03
Includes a dock that connects directly to the lake for easy access to nature.
04
Strategically placed barn serves as both storage and an observation point for the landscape.
05
Designed with independent living spaces, fostering privacy while allowing for community engagement.

The Painter's Lake House is located by a serene lake, designed for artists who seek peace and a space for creativity. It combines living areas with workspaces, allowing for both personal reflection and communal gatherings. The overall design emphasizes inspiration, creation, and contemplation, aiming to foster an environment where creativity can flourish.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the project includes separate houses and workshops, offering each artist their own sense of privacy. A fire pit serves as the gathering place, encouraging social interactions among residents. In addition, a dock leads out into the water, providing artists with immediate access to the lake. This direct connection to nature enhances the artistic experience and inspiration.

Integration with Environment

The design shows careful consideration of the natural landscape. The barn, placed at a higher point on the site, serves as a storage space and an observation area. From here, residents can appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. This thoughtful placement enhances the relationship between the buildings and nature, inviting a deeper connection to the environment.

Material Selection

Materials have been chosen to ensure durability while maintaining a link to the landscape. Wooden tiles help the structures blend into their surroundings. Metal chimneys and Duovent windows reflect a contemporary design approach and improve ventilation. The north-facing roof dome allows for abundant light, making the interiors bright and welcoming.

Design Cohesion

The project promotes a strong connection between indoor and outdoor areas. Features like the stone aisle and the interior wood floors encourage easy movement around the spaces. Pathways are clearly defined, guiding residents from their homes to workshops and communal spots. This arrangement provides functionality that supports an artist's workflow while enhancing the overall living experience.

A notable design detail is the alignment of the barn with the lake, which creates a beautiful view. This aspect not only serves as a source of inspiration but also highlights the blend of architecture and nature, anchoring the project in its scenic setting.

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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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