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Seasonal Garden Studio at Waterline with Locally Sourced Oak

Authors:
Mihai Moga-paler, Sergiu andrei Zamfir, Sorin Lepădatu
Seasonal Garden Studio at Waterline with Locally Sourced Oak

Project in-detail

Positioned at the waterline with a seasonal garden overhead, the studio showcases a commitment to locally sourced oak and thoughtful spatial arrangements that enhance the relationship between artists and their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The painter's studio is positioned directly at the waterline to enhance views and access to the lake.
02
A seasonal flower garden above the studio serves as a creative retreat and natural insulation.
03
Sliding panels within the studio allow for flexible space division, promoting adaptability for artists.
04
The design incorporates slanted wooden boards for local bat habitat protection and facade weathering.
05
Locally sourced oak wood is used throughout, highlighting sustainability and regional material usage.

The design is located in a clearing surrounded by trees, leading up to a serene lake. The layout features a U-shaped courtyard that wraps around living spaces, placing a strong focus on the painter’s studio, which is close to the water. This alignment allows for a meaningful connection between the building and its natural surroundings, highlighting how the environment shapes the design.

Design Layout

The arrangement clearly separates private and shared areas, with a spacious common living area at ground level. This space has mostly transparent walls that connect the interior with the outdoor landscape. Natural light fills the living area, fostering a sense of openness. Above, private family spaces are designed with an opaque facade, offering privacy while still allowing residents to appreciate the views.

Engagement with Nature

The painter's studio is positioned right at the waterline, enhancing its visual and physical link to the lake. A level drop creates space for a seasonal flower garden above the studio, becoming a lively center for creativity. This connection bridges art and nature, showing how one can inspire the other.

Spatial Configuration

A grid pattern is applied to guide the layout, providing structure within the irregular shape of the site. This framework supports human activity while acknowledging the natural disorder of the environment. Aligning the studio with the lake breaks the grid's formality, emphasizing its role in the overall design. The arrangement invites different interactions between people and their surroundings, enriching the experience of space.

Materiality and Ecological Considerations

Locally sourced oak wood is chosen for the structure and finishes for its sturdiness. This decision supports sustainability and benefits the local economy. Additionally, features such as slanted wooden boards are included to shelter local bat populations, demonstrating an awareness of ecological needs in the design.

The entrance to the building is clear and welcoming, inviting visitors into a versatile interior. Sliding panels provide options for privacy while enabling social interaction among artists. Altogether, these thoughtful choices create an environment that merges art with nature, emphasizing the relationship between the two in everyday 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

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