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Natural Light and Oak Flooring in a Lakefront Residential Retreat

Author:
Parallel Architects
Natural Light and Oak Flooring in a Lakefront Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

With expansive glass walls that invite abundant natural light and warm oak flooring throughout, the design creates a harmonious lakefront residence that promotes both community and privacy for two families.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence integrates a painter's workshop with extensive glass walls, enhancing natural light for creative work.
02
The design features a unifying terrace that connects two distinct family living zones for communal interaction.
03
Large windows on the north façade frame views of the adjacent lake, reinforcing the connection to nature.
04
Oak engineered flooring provides warmth while maintaining sustainability standards throughout the home.
05
The layout minimizes noise disturbances by positioning storage spaces away from primary living areas.

The Painters' Lake House is located in the tranquil landscape of Latvia and demonstrates an effective blend of sustainability and modern living. Designed to serve two families, the residence promotes a sense of community while ensuring privacy. The design concept focuses on harmonizing the building with nature, inviting the outside in and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the Painters' Lake House is thoughtfully divided into two living areas. Each family has its own private spaces, which include separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Shared communal areas such as the kitchen, living room, and dining space are situated on the first floor to encourage interaction. A central terrace connects both sides, serving as a bridge for family gatherings and a place to enjoy the outdoors together.

Natural Light and Views

Large windows feature prominently in the design, especially on the north side of the house. This choice allows abundant natural light to flood the living spaces and offers stunning views of the nearby lake. The emphasis on light not only brightens the interior but also helps establish a connection between the inside of the house and the peaceful surroundings outside.

Workshop Integration

A key aspect of the design is the location of the painter's workshop. Set between the living areas and the lake, it is designed as a broad, open space with extensive glass walls. The workshop benefits from ample light, creating a vibrant environment suitable for artistic activities. This layout encourages creativity and provides an inspiring workspace for its occupants.

Material Selection

The construction of the Painters' Lake House incorporates carefully chosen materials that enhance both function and aesthetics. Elements include wood slat assemblies, metal roofing, and aluminium clips, all of which contribute to the building’s durability. Cellulose insulation is used for energy efficiency, while oak engineered flooring adds warmth and comfort to the interior spaces.

The practical placement of the storage building further supports the overall design. Positioned to minimize disruption to living areas, it ensures easy access without disturbing the calm environment of the residence. This thoughtful integration highlights how functional needs can coexist with the tranquil living experience offered by the Painters' Lake House.

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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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