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Transparent Studio with Bat House Integration and Lake Views

Authors:
Yiyang Sang, Wenjing Zhang
Transparent Studio with Bat House Integration and Lake Views
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Incorporating a bat house and large glass openings, the residence seamlessly connects its transparent studio to the stunning lake views, providing a functional space that supports the creative pursuits of a family of painters.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bat house integrated into the southern facade promotes local biodiversity.
02
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls enhance natural light and lake visibility.
03
Open-plan layout fosters interaction while maintaining privacy for families.
04
Transparent studio designed specifically for the artistic needs of painters.
05
Courtyard layout encourages communal gatherings and outdoor activities.

Painter's Lake House is a family residence located on the shores of Cernostes Lake in Latvia. Designed for a family of painters, the project embodies principles of sustainability while enhancing its connection to the surrounding environment. The overall design balances communal living and individual privacy, resulting in a space that accommodates both family dynamics and creative expression.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of Painter's Lake House effectively distinguishes between communal areas and private spaces. Resting zones provide family members with privacy, while shared areas foster collaboration and interaction. This arrangement thoughtfully separates living spaces from working areas, allowing for a versatile environment that caters to various aspects of daily life.

Transparency and Light

A notable feature of the residence is the incorporation of large openings that connect the interior to the outside. The open-plan living area merges the kitchen, dining space, and family seating. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall dominates this area, which can slide open to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. This design maximizes natural light and frames views of the lake, enriching the living experience.

Creative Spaces

The northern section of the house includes a dedicated studio for artistic work. This transparent space reinforces the focus on meeting the practical needs of painters. The studio is designed to inspire creativity, allowing ample natural light to sweep through. Surrounding the studio is an open courtyard that serves as both a communal gathering space and a focal point of the residence.

Ecological Integration

An interesting element of the design is the inclusion of a bat house located parallel to the south facade. This feature is intended to attract bat colonies, supporting local biodiversity. By incorporating ecological elements into the house, the design addresses the importance of human and environmental interaction.

With its expansive glass facades and thoughtful spatial arrangements, Painter's Lake House invites nature into daily life. It is a residence that not only serves the needs of its inhabitants but also promotes a respectful coexistence with the beautiful natural surroundings.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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