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Workshop That Extends Over Water With Spiraling Roof and Internal Courtyard

Authors:
Margherita vittoria Carrara de sambuy, Marcella Contini, manuji colucci
Workshop That Extends Over Water With Spiraling Roof and Internal Courtyard

Project in-detail

A spiraling roof captures natural light while a workshop extends over water, enhancing the connection to the landscape and providing a multi-generational family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
A hybrid workshop that extends partly over water enhances creative interactions.
02
The interior includes a unique internal courtyard for natural ventilation and light.
03
Rooms are specifically arranged for multi-generational living, promoting family connections.
04
A spiraling roof structure serves as the sole source of natural light throughout the home.
05
The platform offers 360-degree views, integrating the living space with the surrounding landscape.

The Lake-Non-Lake House takes a fresh look at the concept of a lakeside residence, focusing on the connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment. Located by a calm lake, the design promotes daily interactions with nature while providing a comfortable home for a multi-generational family. It balances shared spaces with private areas, making it a suitable place for both family gatherings and quiet moments.

LAYOUT AND FUNCTIONALITY

The interior of the house consists of a living and kitchen area, two bathrooms, an internal courtyard, and three bedrooms. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to serve the needs of family members, featuring one bedroom for the nephews and two for the grandparents. This layout encourages family interaction while allowing for personal privacy, reflecting a modern approach to shared living.



PLATFORM AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION

A platform surrounds the house, providing a complete view of the lake while extending the living area outward. This feature connects the home to the landscape and enhances the experience of lakeside living. It is designed to invite residents to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature while comfortably accessing the indoor spaces.



WORKSHOP AND STUDIO INTEGRATION

The house includes a workshop that is partly built on land and partly reaches out toward the water. This design blurs the lines between inside and outside, challenging typical notions of space. A ramp leads to the studio, promoting ease of movement between different areas and fostering an environment supportive of creativity and collaboration.



LIGHTING AND ATMOSPHERIC INTERIOR

The spiraling roof serves as the main source of natural light in the house. This choice influences the atmosphere within, creating dynamic shadows that shift throughout the day. The well-lit interior enhances the living experience, making each room feel open and inviting. The careful design of light and space contributes to a warm and welcoming environment throughout the home.

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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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competition now

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