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Courtyard Residence Featuring Arched Concrete Forms and Abundant Natural Light

Author:
Jae Min Park
Courtyard Residence Featuring Arched Concrete Forms and Abundant Natural Light

Project in-detail

Arched concrete forms and a central courtyard designed to maximize natural light create a dynamic living environment in this art-focused residence in Brooklyn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Arched openings are integrated throughout to enhance spatial flow and visual connection.
02
A central courtyard serves as a natural light source, improving ventilation and ambiance.
03
Materials include a robust concrete structure paired with extensive glass for transparency.
04
The design honors the historic context of Park Slope while introducing modern elements.
05
Sustainable practices are prioritized through energy-efficient systems and thoughtful material selection.

### Overview

Located in the historic district of Park Slope, Brooklyn, the Cloister House serves as a contemporary residence for an art-collecting couple. The design responds to the surrounding architectural context while adhering to zoning regulations concerning building height and façade articulation. Emphasizing a dialogue with its environment, the project integrates elements that honor the neighborhood's cultural significance.

### Spatial Dynamics

A central theme of the design is the relationship between light and space. With the inclusion of an enclosed courtyard, natural lighting is carefully directed into the interior, enriching the living experience and enhancing the architectural narrative. The strategic placement of arches throughout the structure contributes to both aesthetic appeal and spatial flow, fostering a connection between interior and exterior environments. The layout consists of interconnected spaces with varying heights, promoting exploration and discovery within the home.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the project, focusing on durability and visual richness. Concrete forms the primary structural component, lending sculptural qualities. Glass is used extensively for windows, facilitating a transparent connection to the outdoors, while marble accents in the interior resonate with the project's artistic intent. Wood elements, such as flooring and staircases, introduce warmth and texture, counterbalancing the cooler aspects of concrete and glass. Steel details support a sleek design aesthetic, emphasizing elegance and structural integrity. Collectively, these materials interact with light, enhancing the architectural play of shadow and depth throughout the residence.

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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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