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Circular Apertures and Natural Light Enhancements in a Concrete and Glass Residence

Author:
Jd Jacobs
Circular Apertures and Natural Light Enhancements in a Concrete and Glass Residence

Project in-detail

Circular apertures create dynamic light patterns within a robust concrete and glass structure, complemented by natural wood elements, all designed to enhance the living experience in a private residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular apertures create unique light patterns throughout the interior spaces.
02
Robust concrete structure integrates seamlessly with extensive glass facades.
03
Natural wood elements provide warmth and contrast to the concrete and glass.
04
Terraced layout adapts to the sloping site while enhancing views.
05
The pool design reflects the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection to nature.

**Project Overview**
Located in Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa, at the base of Table Mountain, the House with Pool embodies a synthesis of modern design and environmental considerations. The intent of this residence is to create a harmonious living space that is both functional and aesthetically aligned with its picturesque surroundings.

**Spatial Strategy**
The residence is organized across three distinct levels: a basement, ground floor, and first floor, each designed to balance privacy and communal areas. The basement accommodates practical functions, including garage and storage space, maintaining a clear aesthetic from upper levels. The ground floor emphasizes interaction, featuring a large living area, dining space, kitchen, and direct access to a pool deck, fostering connectivity between indoor and outdoor settings. The first floor prioritizes privacy with bedrooms and a study, each accessible to private balconies, providing expansive views of the landscape.

**Materiality and Environmental Integration**
Material choices are innovative and contextually appropriate, utilizing concrete for structural integrity, glass for transparency and natural light, wood for warmth in finishes, and stone to anchor the design within the landscape. The project employs sustainable design strategies by optimizing orientation for solar gain and integrating overhangs for shade during peak sunlight. Indoor gardens and outdoor terraces foster biodiversity and preserve local flora, enhancing the ecological footprint of the residence. The design also addresses the challenges of the sloped terrain through terracing, creating an effective relationship with the landscape while ensuring functionality.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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