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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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