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Ambient Glow and Glass Structure in a Thoughtfully Designed Residence

Authors:
Haokun Liu, Yuchen Liu
Ambient Glow and Glass Structure in a Thoughtfully Designed Residence
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With a glass structure that enhances natural light flow and creates unique ambient effects, this residence intricately balances transparency and privacy while offering a calm and inviting living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a glass structure to enhance natural light flow throughout the residence.
02
Integrates ambient glow effects created by the interaction of light and shadow.
03
Thoughtfully arranged spaces promote an open layout while maintaining privacy.
04
Incorporates a weather-resistive barrier for improved energy efficiency and comfort.
05
Design emphasizes a deep connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

The Home of Shadows emphasizes the important role of natural light in shaping living spaces. Located in an area that receives ample sunlight, the design focuses on the interaction between light and shadow to create a welcoming atmosphere. It encourages residents to connect with their surroundings and experience the variations of light throughout the day, enriching daily life within the home.

Integration of Light and Shadow

The design allows sunlight to move freely through the building, illuminating different rooms at various times. This flow of light creates unique patterns on the walls and floors, adding vibrancy to the interior. By managing how light enters the home, the design fosters a dynamic interaction with the environment. Occupants remain aware of the outside world, as the changing light conditions influence the mood and atmosphere inside.

Spatial Configuration

Rooms within the home are arranged to encourage an open layout while still providing areas for privacy. This thoughtful configuration enhances visibility and allows light to penetrate deeper into the interior spaces. The contrast of bright and shadowed areas draws the eye, making the environment feel calm and inviting. Each area is designed to highlight the light's effects, promoting relaxation and a sense of comfort throughout the house.

Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The presentation indicates a focus on materials that enhance the home's connection to light. A glass structure provides transparency, allowing for uninterrupted views and easy transitions between inside and outside. Additionally, the inclusion of a weather-resistive barrier shows a commitment to practicality, ensuring that the residence remains comfortable and efficient regardless of weather conditions.

As night falls, the home takes on a different character. Soft light filters through, casting dreamy shadows that create a cozy and intimate feeling. This gentle illumination gives the space a unique atmosphere, inviting quiet moments of reflection and deepening the overall sensory experience of the home.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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