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Rectangular Volume of Assembled Wood Embracing Lake Views

Author:
雅心 蔡
Rectangular Volume of Assembled Wood Embracing Lake Views

Project in-detail

With a rectangular volume crafted from assembled wood, this lakeside residence maximizes natural light and views while serving as a versatile family home and artistic workspace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rectangular volume adapts to the slope of the site, enhancing integration with the landscape.
02
Large glass façades provide uninterrupted views of Cernostes Lake and maximize natural light.
03
The structure utilizes an assembled wood technique for quick transport and efficient assembly.
04
Interior spaces transition smoothly between private living areas and a public studio.
05
North-facing orientation allows for stable diffuse light, ideal for artistic creation.

Painters' Lake House is situated by Cernostes Lake in Latvia, serving as both a home and a creative space for an artist's family. The design focuses on a simple rectangular form that connects well with the nearby natural environment. It is placed on a slope that faces the lake, allowing the building to blend into its setting. This thoughtful approach aims to support both everyday living and artistic work.

Design Concept
The design features a single-slope roof, which allows for broad views of the surrounding scenery. This choice helps the building respect the landscape while also enhancing its visual appeal. By adapting to changes in terrain height, the structure maintains a sense of balance with nature.

Spatial Organization
Comprising three main blocks, the structure includes separate spaces for living, working, and communicating. The east and west blocks are dedicated to residential use, while the center block serves as a studio and gathering area. Large glass surfaces on the north and south sides let in plenty of natural light and provide views of the lake, creating an inviting space that emphasizes the connection to the outdoor setting.

Materiality and Construction
An assembled wood technique is used throughout the build. This approach involves modular containers that facilitate straightforward transport and quick assembly. It reduces construction costs and minimizes the environmental footprint of the project. The wood structure is also effective in providing thermal insulation, contributing to energy efficiency.

Interior Environment
Inside, a fireplace warms the space and encourages family interaction. The studio area has a lowered ceiling height, which adds richness to the experience of the room. Dividing this area into smaller sections allows for a smooth flow between domestic living and artistic practice. The north-facing orientation helps provide stable natural light, ideal for painting and creative work.

Views from the studio highlight the beauty of the lakeside. They serve as both inspiration for the artists and a calming backdrop for daily life.

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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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