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Spiral Light and Lake Views in a Curated Family Retreat

Authors:
Margherita vittoria Carrara de sambuy, Marcella Contini, manuji colucci
Spiral Light and Lake Views in a Curated Family Retreat

Project in-detail

With a spiraling roof that channels natural light and a platform offering panoramic lake views, the design serves as a creative and functional retreat for a multi-generational family.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraling roof design maximizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
The platform provides 360-degree views of the surrounding lake.
03
A workshop extends partially over land and descends toward the water.
04
A ramp provides accessibility to the studio from the main living area.
05
Three bedrooms are strategically placed for privacy within a communal layout.

The Lake-Non-Lake House integrates living areas with spaces for creativity, set beside a calm lake. The design focuses on enhancing the relationships between the home and its natural surroundings while providing both communal and private spaces for a multi-generational family. Overall, the concept prioritizes a connection with the environment, allowing the house to blend with its landscape.

Functionality and Spatial Organization

The interior layout consists of a living/kitchen area, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, and an internal courtyard. This organization encourages interaction among family members while also allowing for personal privacy. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to create a comfortable living experience that balances togetherness with the need for individual retreat.

Connection to the Environment

A key feature of the design is the platform that wraps around the house, offering views of the lake from all directions. This element enhances the overall visual appeal and reinforces the bond between the building and the natural setting. The workshop, partially extending over land and moving toward the water, emphasizes the connection to nature and illustrates the project’s commitment to integrating architecture with its surroundings.

Light and Ambiance

The roof structure of the house acts as the primary source of light, spiraling around in an interesting form. This design choice allows sunlight to enter the interior, creating varied light conditions throughout the day. Natural illumination enhances the atmosphere, promoting a sense of openness that encourages movement and interaction within the space.

Artistic Engagement

A ramp provides access to the studio, reflecting a focus on inclusivity while blending creative spaces with the living environment. The studio, which extends into the house, offers visitors a comfortable spot to observe artistic activities. This design choice supports the overall aim of the house, fostering a creative setting within a functional home.

Each of these elements contributes to a thoughtful design that invites engagement with both the occupants and the environment. The house stands as a model of how architecture can support daily life and artistic expression in a harmonious way.

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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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