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Studios with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Light on Cernostes Lake

Author:
Neil Mclean
Studios with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Light on Cernostes Lake

Project in-detail

Built with cross-laminated timber to enhance energy efficiency and natural light, the residence offers flexible living and working spaces for artists and their families on the serene shores of Cernostes Lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each residence includes a distinct sheltered terrace that enhances outdoor living despite adverse weather.
02
Cross-laminated timber is used as a primary structural element, promoting energy efficiency.
03
The layout maximizes stable north light for studio spaces, reducing glare for artists.
04
Adaptable living configurations allow independent or communal arrangements for families.
05
Garden areas are integrated to encourage resident participation in food cultivation and community engagement.

The Painters' Residence is situated on the scenic shore of Cernostes Lake. It serves as a retreat for two painters and their families, designed with the intention of fostering creativity and collaboration. The structure integrates with the surrounding landscape, promoting a sense of harmony between the outdoor environment and the living spaces within.

Spatial Organization
The design comprises two connected, two-storey residences that can function separately or together. This flexibility enhances the living experience, allowing families to choose between shared spaces or private areas. The overall layout directs views toward the lake and optimizes the entry of natural light into the artist studios, taking advantage of stable north light while reducing glare.

Environmental Considerations
The building features a lowered northern facade that offers protection from strong winds coming from the lake. In addition, a sheltered terrace extends the living area outdoors, creating an inviting space for relaxation. This connection between the inside and outside enhances the experience for residents, providing opportunities to enjoy the tranquil setting.

Sustainable Practices
Sustainability plays a key role in the design, with the use of engineered wood materials, including cross-laminated timber and mass plywood panels. These materials provide structural support while helping to lower the building’s carbon footprint. Passive design strategies are also in place, focusing on high levels of insulation and efficient ventilation that promote comfort and energy savings.

Functional Features
Residences are adaptable, able to accommodate diverse family dynamics and preferences. Configurations can easily shift from communal living to separate units as desired. Offsite prefabricated components, like bathroom and kitchen pods, simplify construction and lessen the impact on the environment. Garden areas encourage residents to participate in growing food, creating an engaging and active community space.

Large windows and outdoor terraces fill the living and working areas with natural light, creating a refreshing atmosphere that inspires creativity against the calming backdrop of the lake.

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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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