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Transparent Atrium Overlooking Lake Enhanced by Elevated Wooden Units

Authors:
Manizheh Rafiey, Zahra Azami, Darya Makouee
Transparent Atrium Overlooking Lake Enhanced by Elevated Wooden Units

Project in-detail

A sunken transparent atrium offers uninterrupted views of the lake while two elevated wooden residential units enhance the connection to nature, serving as a dedicated workshop and living space for artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sunken atrium enhances visibility of the lake from beneath the tree canopy.
02
Two residential units are elevated to preserve natural topography.
03
Extensive use of transparent walls maximizes natural light throughout the workshop.
04
A pedestrian bridge connects the workshop to the observation point for panoramic views.
05
Large terraces extend living spaces, facilitating outdoor engagement with nature.

The design focuses on integrating built spaces with the natural environment, allowing for artistic engagement with the landscape. Located near a lake and framed by trees, the concept serves as both a workshop and residential space for painters. It features a transparent atrium at its center, which divides the overall structure while fostering connections to the surrounding scenery.

Workspace Design
- The workshop is designed as a sunken atrium that maximizes views of the lake from beneath the tree canopy. This lower placement encourages an immersive experience, inviting occupants to engage visually with the outdoors. Transparent roofs and walls let in ample light, creating a bright environment suitable for creative work.

Residential Units
- On either side of the workshop, there are two elevated residential units. These boxes sit above ground level, maintaining the natural topography of the site and minimizing disruption to the landscape. Each unit provides extensive views of the lake and the southern landscape, with large terraces that extend the living space outdoors.

Connectivity Features
- A pedestrian bridge enhances the project by linking different areas and leading to an observation point. This bridge is not just a pathway; it offers sweeping views of the landscape, enriching the overall experience for users. Its careful placement draws people to explore and enjoy the surroundings.

Materiality and Structure
- Concrete walls are used to limit the building’s footprint while providing essential structural support. A wooden envelope surrounds the design, adding a warm touch and blending well with the natural elements nearby. Features like sheathing, window framing, and skylights contribute to a light and airy atmosphere, reinforcing the connection to the environment.

The workshop’s design capitalizes on transparency and natural light, strengthening the relationship between occupants and nature. A central skylight brings sunlight into the space, casting a warm glow that enhances the creative 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

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