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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
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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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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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