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Repurposed Timber and Baltic Pink-Dolomite Form Unique Artist Studio and Duplexes

Authors:
Thomas Kent, Angus Grant
Repurposed Timber and Baltic Pink-Dolomite Form Unique Artist Studio and Duplexes

Project in-detail

Repurposed timber from a dismantled barn and Baltic Pink-Dolomite create a cohesive living environment that blends duplexes with an artists' studio, offering both communal and private spaces near a serene lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed timber from an old barn is used for the artists' studio.
02
The project incorporates Baltic Pink-Dolomite stone for aesthetic and structural elements.
03
An interior courtyard enhances privacy while fostering community interaction.
04
A sunken lounge connects communal living areas to private spaces.
05
The design prioritizes sustainability through adaptive reuse of materials.

The design focuses on the adaptation of an existing residential building into two duplexes, along with the construction of a new artists' studio. Located near a tranquil lake, the project aims to create a balance between community living and personal space. The approach emphasizes the preservation of the original structure while adding new elements that promote sustainability and resourcefulness.

Entry Sequence

The layout begins with an entrance hall and laundry area that transition into a combined living, kitchen, and dining space. This design creates an open atmosphere, allowing for easy movement between different areas of the home. Two vertical elements—a structural column and a flue from the wood stove—add character to the interior. They help define the space while enhancing the flow of light and air.

Spatial Configuration

This design includes a sunken lounge that connects to the open living area. This offers a shift from communal spaces to private zones, making it easy to engage with others or retreat into solitude. By dividing the existing structure, the design maintains a balance between two distinct living units. Each unit enjoys communal benefits while ensuring personal privacy.

Material Reuse

A significant aspect of the project is the reuse of materials from an old barn that was dismantled on site. Timber and steel from the barn have been repurposed to create the new artists' studio. This approach respects the historical context of the site and emphasizes sustainability. It demonstrates a commitment to resource management and thoughtful design.

Integration with Outdoors

The intersection of the new volumes leads to an interior courtyard that serves both as a shared space and a private area for the families. This design invites social interaction while still providing places for retreat. A central corridor opens to a spacious outdoor room, which overlooks the lake, creating a strong connection with nature.



Baltic Pink-Dolomite stone is used throughout the project, providing a tactile quality that links the architecture to its natural environment. This choice reflects an effort to create harmony between the built structure and the surrounding landscape.

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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

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