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Curved Contours Enhancing Light and Shadow in a Time-Focused Dwelling

Authors:
Chris Mewburn, Isaac Mccormack
Curved Contours Enhancing Light and Shadow in a Time-Focused Dwelling

Project in-detail

Curved contours guide light and shadow through spaces designed for daily rituals, creating a dwelling that reflects the passage of time in a harmonious living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved forms create a dynamic flow throughout the interior spaces.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed openings.
03
Moonlight illumination enhances the atmosphere in evening hours.
04
A focus on time fosters a deep connection between residents and their environment.
05
Designed spaces accommodate diverse daily routines with fluidity.

The design presents a dwelling that brings the concept of time to life through its structure. It is situated in a natural setting and is designed to promote a close relationship between the internal spaces and the changing light throughout the day. The arrangement of spaces encourages engagement with the environment, allowing people to connect with their surroundings and experience the passing of time.

Conceptual Framework

The idea behind the design focuses on the different phases of light, creating experiences that resonate with the daily cycles. The occupants can wake up in the soft light of morning, work under the bright sun, and enjoy the calming glow of the moon at night. This rhythm of light and time enhances the experience of living in the space, encouraging moments of reflection and awareness.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the dwelling features a flow that directs movement from one space to another. Curved forms guide people through the environment and create connections to the outside world. Each area has a specific purpose, accommodating daily routines in a way that feels natural and engaging. This organization reinforces a sense of continuity and belonging within the space.

Light and Shadow

The relationship between light and shadow plays a vital role in the overall atmosphere of the dwelling. As the sun travels across the sky, light enters the building at different angles and intensities, creating varied effects throughout the day. This shifting quality not only affects how the space is perceived but also highlights the textures and details of the interior, drawing attention to the subtleties of design.

Material Suggestion

While specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the focus on light and shadow indicates a choice that enhances visual and tactile experiences. Materials that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining thermal comfort could be prevalent. Options may include finishes that engage with light, creating a welcoming and warm environment that deepens the connection between the occupants and their surroundings.

Large windows frame views of the landscape outside, offering glimpses of nature's changing beauty while inviting the outdoors into daily life. The design encourages moments of pause, allowing residents to reflect and engage with both the space and its context.

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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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