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Bowl-Shaped Reflector Enhancing Natural Light for Efficient Greenhouse Living

Authors:
Orie Okachi, Yuichi Sumii, Kyota Shimizu, YILI YANG
Bowl-Shaped Reflector Enhancing Natural Light for Efficient Greenhouse Living

Project in-detail

The curved bowl shape of the structure optimally reflects sunlight into a bright, energy-efficient living space adjacent to a greenhouse, enhancing both functionality and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bowl-shaped form enhances light reflection efficiency.
02
Integrated design promotes seamless interaction with the greenhouse.
03
Strategic placement of windows captures optimal natural views.
04
Calculated solar orientation maximizes year-round sunlight.
05
Curved surfaces facilitate effective light distribution indoors.

The design features a building known for its effective use of natural light and its close relationship with a surrounding greenhouse. The structure's bowl-like shape acts as a reflector, helping it capture sunlight efficiently. Situated in a landscape that supports solar energy collection, the overall concept aims to enhance light exposure for both the building's interior and the adjacent greenhouse.

Design Layout and Functionality

The building's layout is organized to include essential spaces such as a dining area, kitchen, multipurpose hall, bathrooms, storage, and parking. Each of these spaces has been carefully placed to ensure maximum access to natural light. This arrangement meets the functional requirements of daily living while reinforcing the building's efficiency and comfort.

Sunlight Optimization

A key part of the design involves careful analysis of sunlight data. Monthly sunlight averages show a wide range, with around four hours of sunlight in December and up to twenty-three hours in June. This data influences the orientation and design of the building, enhancing its energy efficiency and reducing the need for artificial lighting. It also helps to maintain warmth during colder months.

Integration with Nature

The focus on light reflection includes the use of a curved surface that is slightly rotated to capture solar energy more effectively. This design choice allows sunlight to enter the building and spreads natural light throughout the interior. The placement of windows and openings frames views of the landscape, creating a visual connection between inside and outside, and inviting nature into the living space.

This thoughtful arrangement brings in daylight, making the interior bright and welcoming. It also fosters a strong sense of openness, creating a pleasant atmosphere for those who use the space.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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