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Oculus Framing The Sky In A Spa Overlooking The Lake

Author:
Daniel Selensky
Oculus Framing The Sky In A Spa Overlooking The Lake

Project in-detail

An oculus captures the sky above an outdoor tub while the spa, designed with solid walls and glass, seamlessly integrates relaxation and living spaces overlooking the lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
An outdoor tub includes an oculus to frame the sky.
02
The design combines living and relaxation areas into a single flexible space.
03
Heat from the sauna is recycled for additional warmth in living spaces.
04
A greenhouse supports food production and enhances indoor air quality.
05
Strategically placed windows provide unobstructed views of nature.

The family spa is designed to promote relaxation and wellness within a compact living environment. Situated in a peaceful setting, the project aims to create a retreat that blends together spaces for both living and leisure. The focus is on arranging these areas thoughtfully to minimize the structure’s environmental impact while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Concept and Organisation

At the heart of the design is a flexible living space that merges relaxation areas with guest accommodation. This integration allows for a more efficient use of space, reducing the overall footprint of the building. Energy is conserved by recycling heat from adjacent functions, such as the sauna, which helps warm the living areas. This method reduces energy use and aligns with current goals of promoting sustainability.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is a primary consideration throughout the design. Passive features include natural ventilation and prefab modular wooden construction, which facilitates faster assembly and less waste. A greenhouse is incorporated into the design, serving multiple purposes. It not only offers a space for growing food but also contributes positively to the indoor environment.

Active systems enhance the ecological goals of the project. An atmospheric water generator located in the greenhouse maintains humidity throughout the year, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere. Solar panels installed above the living space provide energy, adding another aspect to the building’s self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external sources.

Architectural Features

The design emphasizes clear views and a strong connection to nature. Every module is designed to highlight specific surroundings, offering varied experiences despite their similar sizes. Bedrooms are fitted with windows that focus on the sky, creating a calming effect. A sauna provides views of the adjacent lake, while a cleverly positioned outdoor tub includes a round opening in the roof that frames the sky. This detail offers a way to observe changing weather and daylight. Therapy rooms also benefit from designed views, allowing those inside to look at the grass below.

The combination of thoughtful design and key details enhances the relationship between the living space and nature, creating a place meant for comfort and tranquility.

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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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