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Reclaimed Timber Structure Emphasizing Community Around a Central Courtyard

Author:
Liga Ramata
Reclaimed Timber Structure Emphasizing Community Around a Central Courtyard

Project in-detail

Reclaimed timber frames and a communal courtyard define a living environment that fosters connection while maintaining a clear respect for Latvian cultural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed timber cladding reflects local architectural heritage.
02
The design incorporates a planted garden for community engagement.
03
Individual flats surround a central courtyard to promote interaction.
04
A sauna is strategically placed near the lake, emphasizing wellness.
05
Lightweight timber walls serve as canvases for artistic expression.

The Painters' Lake House is located in Latvia, designed to embody the principles of a traditional viensēta. This concept revolves around communal living, with an emphasis on bringing people together. The layout consists of several buildings assigned to specific activities, such as work, bathing, and rest, all organized around a central courtyard that acts as the heart of the living space.

Building Arrangement
The structure features a series of individual flats that surround a public circulation core. This core encourages interaction among residents while enhancing accessibility throughout the complex. It functions like an entrance typically found in historic Latvian farms, making the space inviting. At night, the core acts as a guiding light, helping residents find their way and fostering a sense of connection and warmth.

Functional Spaces
A notable aspect of the design is the sauna, which is placed near the lake. This element highlights local cultural traditions focused on wellness and relaxation. The arrangement of spaces allows for generous views of the lake, offering opportunities for social interaction as well as private contemplation. The layout is carefully planned to support community activities while also providing areas for solitude.

Sustainability
Sustainability plays a key role in the overall vision. Most buildings, including common areas like the sauna and workshop, are accessible to all residents, which nurtures community spirit. The inclusion of a planted garden provides space for gardening activities, helping residents become more self-sufficient. The use of reclaimed timber cladding aligns with the commitment to sustainability and respects the local architectural heritage.

Artistic Integration
The walls of the Painters' Lake House are made from light timber and function as canvases for artistic expression. This quality encourages residents to engage with their surroundings in a creative way. The design emphasizes a close relationship between indoor spaces and nature, making the architecture a meaningful part of the living experience. Each element of the structure contributes to a cohesive lifestyle that connects people with both art and their environment.

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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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