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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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