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Wooden Frames and Green Spaces in An Artist Community

Author:
Lorin Wiedemeier
Wooden Frames and Green Spaces in An Artist Community

Project in-detail

With a maze of picture frames and interconnected green spaces, the design creates a unique environment that fosters artistic collaboration and introspection for two families of artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
The artist's studio is organized as a maze of picture frames, encouraging exploration and interaction.
02
The living area is designed to resemble a cave, providing a grounding retreat amidst nature.
03
Natural light floods the interior through large windows, enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
A "wooden carpet" flows over the site, integrating the building into its natural environment.
05
The design balances extroverted living spaces with introverted work areas, reflecting the duality of the artistic process.

The design near Cernoste lake in the Rezekne region of eastern Latvia explores living and working spaces for two artist families. Set against a backdrop of parklands, meadows, and forests, the project focuses on the themes of introspection and collaboration. The concept features a reversal of traditional architectural roles, where living areas are expressive and open, while workspaces are designed to be more private and calming.

Spatial Configuration

The artist’s studio is created as a maze of picture frames arranged in a grid. This arrangement forms niches, balconies, and pathways that invite exploration and interaction. The design relies on a few columns, which support the structure while allowing for significant cantilever loads. This setup enables connections between the interior space and the outside landscape, enriching the user experience through access to natural light and scenic views.

Living Area Design

The living space takes on a cave-like quality, inspired by Nordic architecture. It flows into both shared and private gardens, which encourages a connection to the surrounding greenery. Large windows allow light to enter and help dissolve the barriers between indoors and outdoors. This design choice reinforces the relationship between the inhabitants and nature, making the living space feel integrated within its environment.

Material and Aesthetic Integration

The design includes a "wooden carpet" that flows over the landscape. This detail highlights a focus on using natural materials that work with the surrounding area. The approach aligns with sustainability goals, ensuring that the building complements the scenic beauty of its location.

Together, these elements create a setting that fosters both individuality and community. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces supports a blend of creativity and contemplation. Each design choice contributes to an environment that encourages artistic expression and engagement with nature.

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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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