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Timber Louver System and Reused Rocks in a Harmonious Family Workspace

Authors:
Cristina Chen, Leticia naomi Umehara, Maria fernanda del giovannino de Oliveira, Larah agostinho Barbosa
Timber Louver System and Reused Rocks in a Harmonious Family Workspace

Project in-detail

Incorporating a timber louver system and reused rocks, the design blends artistry and sustainability into a functional family workspace that fosters creativity amid a picturesque natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates movable walls in the painters' workshop for flexible use.
02
Incorporates habitats for endangered bat species within the design.
03
Utilizes a wood membrane to create distinct functional areas while maintaining unity.
04
Features shutter doors that regulate light and privacy, enhancing indoor-outdoor connections.
05
Employs reused barn foundation rocks to reinforce sustainability and local heritage.

The Painters' Lake House is a thoughtfully designed building situated in Latvia, serving both as a family home and a creative workspace for artists. The structure stands in a landscape marked by green pine forests and calm waters. It embodies a design concept that blends modern needs with traditional Latvian culture, emphasizing the connections between living spaces and artistic activity.

Architectural Concept
The design focuses on creating a balance between family life and creativity. By combining the living area and the painters’ workshop in one structure, it fosters interactions among family members and supports artistic work. A wooden membrane surrounds the house, providing unity while distinguishing different functions within the space.

Spatial Organization
The layout carefully organizes private and communal areas. On the first floor, personal spaces like the Parents' Bedroom, Kids' Bedroom, and Family Bathroom offer comfort and privacy. In contrast, the ground floor is a hub for socialization and creativity, featuring an Open Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, and multiple workshops. This arrangement enhances the experience of living and working together.

Materiality
The materials selected for this project reflect both function and style. Insulated glass and a wood frame structure are used to improve energy efficiency and provide views of the natural surroundings. A timber louver system promotes airflow and natural lighting, contributing positively to the indoor climate. Steel beams give the building strength, while reused barn foundation rocks connect the design to local history and sustainability.

Environmental Integration
The design also pays attention to ecological factors by providing habitats for local wildlife, including endangered bat species. By incorporating these features, the project supports biodiversity and encourages a relationship between nature and the building. The overall aesthetic of the structure aims to blend with the natural environment, creating a setting that feels connected to its surroundings.

The Painters' Lake House includes adjustable shutter doors, allowing residents to manage light and privacy. This feature creates opportunities to interact with the outdoors while enhancing the comfort of the home. The design invites nature in, promoting a living space where artistic thoughts can flourish amidst tranquil surroundings.

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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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