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Thatch-Capped Studio with Cross-Laminated Timber and Stone Walls

Authors:
Eszter bernadett Barna, Balázs Markó, Balázs Kósa
Thatch-Capped Studio with Cross-Laminated Timber and Stone Walls

Project in-detail

The thatch-capped structure, constructed with cross-laminated timber and featuring traditional stone walls, serves as a creative residency designed to promote artistic collaboration within a sustainable framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural support and sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional stone walls for thermal regulation and historical context.
03
Features a thatch roof that aligns with local architectural styles.
04
Designed with movable walls to enhance spatial flexibility for artists.
05
Emphasizes biophilic elements to strengthen indoor-outdoor connections.

"Painter’s Barn" is an architectural endeavor set in a natural landscape, designed to support artistic residents. The building focuses on sustainability and the revival of existing structures. The design concept merges the ideas of rehabilitation and energy efficiency, creating spaces that foster both individual creativity and communal collaboration.

Structural Integrity and Materiality

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels form the main structure of the building, offering strength while promoting eco-friendly construction practices. The choice of modified paper-based insulation improves thermal performance, ensuring comfort for the residents. Incorporating traditional stone walls helps preserve the historical essence of the site and harnesses thermal mass for improved temperature regulation. The use of thatch for roofing reflects local architectural traditions and reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental standards.

Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The arrangement of "Painter's Barn" emphasizes flexibility. Moveable walls allow the interior spaces to adapt as needed, supporting both collaborative and solitary work. This thoughtful design creates a balance between private retreat and social interaction. By offering a variety of space configurations, the building accommodates diverse artistic practices, inviting creativity in various forms.

Integration with Environment

The building's placement considers its natural surroundings, making the most of light and views while reducing environmental impact. Strategic orientation takes advantage of sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency throughout the year. A design focus on connecting the indoors with the outdoors promotes a sense of well-being for its users. It creates an experience where nature and living spaces interact, allowing residents to engage fully with their environment.

Detail and Craftsmanship

Attention to detail is apparent in how natural materials relate to local traditions. This connection to the area enhances the narrative of the building while maintaining a modern feel. As a result, the design respects the past and looks toward the future, presenting a functional space that encourages artistic expression within a supportive community atmosphere.

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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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