Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Curvilinear Form And Natural Light Enhanced Through Charred Wooden Shingles And Large Glass Panels

Author:
Samuel Maxton Vivian
Curvilinear Form And Natural Light Enhanced Through Charred Wooden Shingles And Large Glass Panels

Project in-detail

Defined by its curvilinear form and a facade of charred wooden shingles, this residence maximizes natural light and integrates seamlessly with its landscape to provide a nurturing living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear walls guide movement and enhance natural light throughout the interior.
02
The exterior incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic texture.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide strong structural support while ensuring sustainability.
04
Large glass panels create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes volume and encourages passive energy efficiency.

# Analytical Report on Cradle House Architectural Design

## Overview

Cradle House is designed to address the challenge of navigating residential interiors without reliance on artificial lighting. Located within a natural landscape, the project integrates innovative structural elements with carefully selected materials to create a space that emphasizes comfort and functionality. This report will analyze the core design concepts, spatial configurations, material choices, and essential features that characterize the structure.

## Conceptual Framework

The design of Cradle House centers on the effective use of natural light as a guiding element within the home. By employing curves and radial forms, the architecture reimagines traditional domestic layouts, allowing light to dictate movement and orientation. The name "Cradle House" reflects its focus on security and nurturing, suggesting a designed environment that offers comfort in both illuminated and shaded areas.

### Spatial Configuration

The interior of Cradle House is defined by fluid, curvilinear forms that facilitate movement through various communal and private spaces.

- **Curvilinear Walls**: Serving both structural and aesthetic purposes, these walls guide occupants naturally throughout the home while allowing ample light to enter through large openings, ensuring privacy without sacrificing illumination.

- **Diverse Spatial Layouts**: The layout comprises distinct areas designed to foster cohesion while ensuring that natural light permeates each space, enhancing the living experience throughout the day.

### Materiality

Material selection plays a critical role in both the aesthetic and functional performance of Cradle House, emphasizing sustainability and environmental harmony.

- **Wood (Natural Timber)**: Predominantly used in the facade, this material adds warmth and texture, aligning with the home’s natural context and promoting ecological responsibility.

- **Glass**: Large glass panels facilitate abundant natural light, creating a visual connection between indoor and outdoor realms and reinforcing the nurturing character of the home.

- **Steel**: Incorporated into the perforated facade, steel introduces a modern element that complements the softer timber forms while ensuring structural strength.

### Unique Features

Cradle House exemplifies innovative design approaches that prioritize environmental integration and user well-being.

- **Response to Environment**: The architecture harmonizes with its surroundings through curvilinear forms that reflect the natural topography, enhancing the overall landscape.

- **Guiding Architecture**: The design concept embodies the idea of architecture as a nurturing guide, with curved walls serving to protect and support inhabitants.

- **Emphasis on Wellness**: By prioritizing natural light and incorporating quiet, private areas, the architecture fosters a supportive environment for the occupants, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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