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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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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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