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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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