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Non-Linear Roofs and Bat Habitat in a Wooden Community Oasis

Authors:
Stefano Piccinini, Simona Alesi
Non-Linear Roofs and Bat Habitat in a Wooden Community Oasis

Project in-detail

A non-linear roof design integrates bat habitats and a hanging garden above carpentry workshops, creating a space that fosters creativity and community living near the lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Non-linear roof enhances views and sunlight throughout the year.
02
Hanging garden above carpentry workshop promotes urban greenery.
03
Bat habitat created through elevated design supports local wildlife.
04
Expansive glass facades link interior spaces to the natural surroundings.
05
Artistic spaces designed to inspire creativity and collaboration among residents.

The Brushstroke House presents a thoughtful combination of contemporary design and traditional Latvian architecture. Located near a lake, the buildings serve both as working spaces for artists and as comfortable living quarters. The layout consists of two distinct structures positioned in a linear arrangement, which enhances views of the landscape and creates a strong connection to nature. This design emphasizes light and open space, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and inspiration.

Architectural Layout

The first building is a single-story volume that houses a painters' workshop and a carpentry workshop. Its close proximity to the lake enhances interaction with the water, providing artists with a direct link to their surroundings. This building is designed for accessibility and is intended to support the artistic process by creating an inviting space.

Behind the workshop is the second building, which features two residential units spread across two floors. This arrangement allows for expansive views from the living areas, reinforcing the relationship between the indoors and the outdoor landscape. Large glass windows are used throughout both the residences and the workshop, maximizing natural light and creating a bright atmosphere.

Roof Design

One of the defining features of the Brushstroke House is its non-linear roof shape. The roof slopes down over the workshop, which enhances sight lines from the residences, while the section above the living spaces rises, allowing more sunlight to enter. This design choice reflects a modern architectural approach while also respecting local building traditions. The organic forms create an engaging visual experience.

Landscaping and Gardens

Surrounding the buildings, the landscape is carefully designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. A Garden Terrace above the carpentry workshop serves as a green space that offers a different perspective on the environment. The Inner Garden is designed to shield residents from strong winds, creating a comfortable microclimate filled with sunlight. The Main Garden faces south and is equipped with pathways that connect the residences and common areas, ensuring smooth movement through the outdoor space.

The Lake Gardens extend toward the water, featuring small docks that allow for boating. This design draws a clear connection between the natural and built environments. It invites the inhabitants to engage with the lake readily.

Additionally, sections of the building are elevated on wooden pillars to create a habitat for bats, highlighting the project's commitment to ecological arrangements.

Lighting is carefully considered throughout the gardens to balance natural daylight with subtle artificial sources. This ensures that the outdoor spaces can be used at night, enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike. Attention to these details helps create functional and inviting gardens, complementing the overall atmosphere of the Brushstroke 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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