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Yakisugi Cladding and Natural Light Elevate Artistic Retreat Spaces

Authors:
José alberto Hernández natividad, Estefanía Goméz jiménez, Pablo humberto Oliva iruretagoyena
Yakisugi Cladding and Natural Light Elevate Artistic Retreat Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with yakisugi cladding and expansive north-facing windows, the retreat seamlessly integrates nature with creative spaces, providing artists with an inspiring environment for reflection and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with yakisugi cladding for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Features a dedicated dock to facilitate interaction with the lake.
03
Incorporates flexible workshop spaces designed for artisanal creativity.
04
Strategically placed large windows maximize natural light and views.
05
Includes a central fire pit fostering social engagement among residents.

The PAINTER’S LAKE HOUSE is designed as a retreat for artists looking for a quiet place to create and reflect. Positioned in a natural setting, it encourages inspiration and personal expression. The overall design includes separate living and working spaces, along with shared areas that help balance individual work with community interactions.

Independent Spaces
- The layout features individual houses and workshops that allow artists to focus on their work without distractions. Each space is crafted to support creativity, providing an environment that nurtures both productivity and relaxation. This separation ensures that artists have the freedom to explore their ideas while also considering family needs.

Communal Elements
- A fire pit is centrally placed to serve as a gathering area for residents. This shared space invites social interaction and fosters a sense of community among the inhabitants. It becomes a spot for sharing experiences and ideas, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the artistic process. A simple fire brings people together, creating warmth and connection.

Connection to Nature
- The dock connects the houses directly to the lake, allowing residents to draw inspiration from their surroundings. More than just a practical feature, it encourages engagement with nature, providing a tranquil spot for reflection. By being close to the water, artists can experience the changing moods of the environment firsthand, which can enhance their creative work.

Design and Materiality
- The PAINTER’S LAKE HOUSE makes use of various materials. Wooden tiles, a metal chimney, and duovent windows are all incorporated into the design for both functionality and aesthetics. The yakisugi treated wood used on the facade provides durability and a unique texture. Additionally, stone foundations give stability to the structures, while large north-facing windows bring in ample natural light, creating inviting spaces for artistic endeavors.

The design is further emphasized by the barn, which serves as both storage and a lookout point, encouraging occupants to appreciate the landscape’s beauty and changing colors throughout the day.

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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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