Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curved Roofs and Slatted Screens Create Harmony With Nature in Coastal Residence

Authors:
Giselle pei yee Goh, Varshini Gopal
Curved Roofs and Slatted Screens Create Harmony With Nature in Coastal Residence

Project in-detail

Emphasizing curved roofs and a dynamic interplay of light through slatted screens, this coastal residence seamlessly integrates sustainable materials with its natural surroundings, creating a tranquil family retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence features a curved roof design that enhances rainwater drainage and promotes natural ventilation.
02
Slatted screens are incorporated to create dynamic light patterns while providing privacy and reducing heat gain.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, ensuring sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint.
04
Charred wooden shingles lend a unique aesthetic while providing fire resistance and weather durability.
05
The open floor plan fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the living experience in a coastal setting.
The project known as "The Home of Shadows" is an architectural design situated at Kilat Beach in Palau Pinang, Malaysia. This project embodies a thoughtful response to the surrounding environment, merging contemporary design with the region's rich cultural context. The architecture promotes not only a dialogue between the building and nature, but also addresses the needs of its occupants through a functional and sustainable design approach.

At its core, "The Home of Shadows" represents a commitment to creating harmonious living spaces that emphasize sustainability while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The architectural design indicates a strong connection with nature, embracing the beauty of the coastal landscape and the lush greenery characteristic of the area. This relationship fosters an immersive experience for the inhabitants, enhancing their appreciation of the environment surrounding them.

Functionally, the project serves as a residential dwelling, incorporating various living spaces such as a communal living area, private bedrooms, and efficient service zones like a kitchen and study. The spatial organization reflects a contemporary lifestyle, providing both social interaction areas and private retreats. The seamless flow between these spaces encourages a connection among family members, while also ensuring personal privacy.

Key elements of the design include distinctive architectural forms that mimic natural topography. The curved roofs not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also facilitate effective rainwater drainage and optimize ventilation within the home. Additionally, large glass panels are utilized throughout the architecture, allowing for ample natural light to penetrate the spaces while framing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This transparency emphasizes the connection to nature and highlights the project’s environmentally responsive ethos.

The materiality of "The Home of Shadows" carefully considers sustainability and local contexts. The use of wood in structural elements and finishes highlights a commitment to renewable resources. Coupled with steel, used for its structural integrity, and glass, which enhances the connection to the exterior environment, the materials reflect both modern architectural practices and a respect for traditional building techniques within the region. The design also incorporates horizontal slatted screens which serve a dual purpose. They not only provide shade and reduce heat gain, but they also create dynamic patterns of light and shadow within the interiors, reflecting the play of the sun throughout the day.

One of the project's unique design approaches lies in its emphasis on creating a sensory experience for its inhabitants. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the natural materials used, fosters a stimulating environment that changes with the time of day and season, encouraging occupants to engage more deeply with their surroundings. This aspect of the design reflects an understanding of how architecture can influence well-being and quality of life.

By embracing local architectural language while integrating modern sustainability practices, "The Home of Shadows" demonstrates how architecture can cultivate a sense of place. This project is a significant representation of the potential for contemporary design to respect and enhance natural ecosystems.

For those interested in learning more, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of "The Home of Shadows" will provide deeper insights into its thoughtful design elements and innovative ideas. Consider engaging with the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural narrative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy