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Towering Retreat with Expansive Views and Natural Light

Author:
Vanesa Abadi
Towering Retreat with Expansive Views and Natural Light

Project in-detail

With expansive views towards the lake and a design that optimizes natural light through extensive window placement, the four-storey tower serves as a dedicated retreat for writers in the serene landscape of Bandung.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expansive views of the lake enhance the living experience.
02
An open-plan layout promotes fluid movement between spaces.
03
Strategically placed windows maximize natural light and ventilation.
04
A simple courtyard connects indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Private areas on upper floors ensure solitude and quiet reflection.

The Lakeside House in Bandung, Kota Baru Parahyangan functions as a retreat for writers, designed as a four-storey tower on a 500 square meter site. It offers views of the nearby lake to the west, creating a connection between the building and its natural surroundings. This project focuses on functionality, promoting social interaction and personal reflection through a well-considered spatial layout.

Architectural Concept

Natural light and ventilation are key elements in the design, accomplished through a careful arrangement of windows and openings. This strategy improves living conditions and supports energy efficiency. The aim is to foster an environment conducive to contemplation while maintaining a link to nature outside.

Spatial Organization

The house is accessible primarily by private vehicles, as public transportation options are limited in the area. The layout separates public and private areas distinctly. The first floor includes the living room, dining room, kitchen, guest bedroom, and library. This arrangement encourages gathering and interaction among residents while providing an easy flow of movement within the main living space.

On the upper levels, the design prioritizes intimacy, featuring the master bedroom and other private spaces. This organization enhances privacy and solitude, meeting the varying needs of those who inhabit the house. The open floor plan promotes fluid movement throughout the residence, with a staircase strategically placed in the southeast for straightforward access between floors.

Exterior and Landscape Integration

A simple courtyard acts as a central point of focus, bridging the indoor space with the outdoors. This design element not only provides areas for outdoor leisure but also ensures that the house fits well within its environment. The positioning of the building considers the site's topography, allowing maximum sunlight exposure and reducing heat gain during hotter periods.

Natural Elements and Light

The Lakeside House reflects a thoughtful relationship with its natural surroundings. The orientation and arrangement of spaces inside support comfort throughout the year, making the most of the unique climate. This relationship is highlighted by the design of the building's facade, where windows frame views of the lake, enhancing the experience of a peaceful retreat set in a natural landscape.

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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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