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Courtyard Residence Embracing Natural Light With Concrete and Charred Shingles

Author:
Youngki Kim
Courtyard Residence Embracing Natural Light With Concrete and Charred Shingles

Project in-detail

With a focus on personalization and adaptability, this residence incorporates a central courtyard and utilizes concrete alongside charred wooden shingles to create a harmonious living space in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize space and enhance structural performance.
02
Features a central courtyard that integrates natural light and outdoor connections into the living space.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a distinct visual texture.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to increase sustainability and reduce construction waste.
05
Combines multifunctional furniture solutions, such as a cabinet-bed, to maximize living efficiency.

### Overview

The Objects House is located in Downtown Los Angeles within the Toy District and aims to explore the relationship between personal belongings and spatial environments. The design emphasizes individuality through the integration of natural elements, light, and adaptable living areas, thereby creating an environment that encourages residents to engage with their surroundings and express their identities.

### Spatial Configuration

The arrangement of spaces within the Objects House reflects a thoughtful balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design features a multifunctional bed-cabinet unit that optimizes space efficiency while enhancing comfort. Adjacent areas are aligned to facilitate natural movement and interactions among residents. A courtyard serves as both a private outdoor space and a source of natural light, promoting a sense of tranquility amidst the urban environment. The residence includes distinct zones such as a dining area, study area, and kitchen, thoughtfully designed to foster social interaction while maintaining privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a minimalistic material palette that includes concrete, wood, glass, and metal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, contributing to durability and a modern aesthetic. Wood accents provide warmth, while glass elements enhance natural light and visual connections with the outdoors. The integration of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, illustrating how modern living can align with ecological considerations. Additionally, the design strategically maximizes light penetration and natural ventilation through the placement of windows, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

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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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