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Reclaimed Wood Retreat with Courtyard Overlooking Cernostes Lake

Authors:
Thomas Stankowski, Nate St. John, Rachel Mordaunt, Dan Stripp, Nate St. John, Rachel Mordaunt, Dan Stripp
Reclaimed Wood Retreat with Courtyard Overlooking Cernostes Lake
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Built from reclaimed wood and salvaged stone, the artist retreat harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering flexible workshop spaces and communal areas for creative collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood cladding enhances sustainability and ties the retreat to local ecology.
02
Salvaged stone from nearby foundations ground the structure in its historical context.
03
Built-in greenhouse features complement the communal courtyard for biodiversity.
04
A ramped roof provides panoramic views of Cernostes Lake, encouraging exploration.
05
Flexible studio spaces adapt to varying needs of resident artists throughout the year.

The design situated near Cernostes Lake serves as an artist's retreat that integrates its form with the natural surroundings. The concept focuses on creating a setting that supports creativity while enhancing the relationship between the residents and the landscape. The structure features a diagonal shape that allows for efficient passive cooling and facilitates collaboration among artists.

Design Concept

The structure makes use of a diagonal line along a northwest axis to take advantage of wind patterns for ventilation. Workshop studios are placed to capture views of the lake, offering a light-filled environment for creative work. These spaces are adaptable, allowing them to be set up as open areas for gatherings or as smaller zones for focused individual work, striking a balance between collaboration and privacy.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes two separate living areas located in opposite corners, ensuring privacy for each artist's family. Communal spaces, like the kitchen and living room, encourage interaction among residents while also providing individual retreats. The large glass doors create a strong connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, allowing natural light and views of the landscape to enter.

Sustainability and Materials

Sustainability is a key element of the design, highlighted by the choice of materials such as locally reclaimed wood and salvaged stone from existing structures. These materials connect the building to its cultural context and promote environmentally friendly practices. The roof features overhangs that collect sunlight in winter while thermal mass floors store heat, reflecting responses to local weather conditions.

Interior Features

The interior courtyard plays a role in bringing natural light and fresh air into the building. Rainwater collection systems support the responsible use of resources. Roof plantings not only add to insulation but also echo traditional thatched roofs. The ramp leading to the roof offers a high view of Cernostes Lake, enriching the experience of the retreat and inviting a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.

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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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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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