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Curvilinear Form and Tactile Navigation in a Natural Wood Environment

Author:
Luna (hyunsoo) Kim
Curvilinear Form and Tactile Navigation in a Natural Wood Environment

Project in-detail

Emphasizing tactile navigation through its curvilinear design and the use of natural wood materials, this home creates an inclusive environment tailored for visually impaired residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a curvilinear layout that enhances sensory navigation for visually impaired residents.
02
Large glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used not only for structure but also for acoustic insulation.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a visually dynamic texture that promotes weather resistance and longevity.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency while providing an open, airy atmosphere.
The architectural design project titled "Diurnal || Inward-Outward: Home for the Blind" presents a nuanced approach to residential space, focusing on the specific needs of visually impaired individuals. Located in a suburban area of Paju, South Korea, this project reflects a deliberate intention to create a home that fosters independence while nurturing a sense of community. The design embodies a thoughtful interaction between personal refuge and social engagement, emphasizing the vital role of architecture in enhancing everyday living experiences.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to inclusivity, where the architecture adapts to suit the needs of its users rather than imposing conventional requirements upon them. The home is envisioned as a sanctuary that enables residents to navigate their surroundings with ease and confidence. This is achieved through a layout that prioritizes fluidity over rigid separation. The spatial arrangement cleverly incorporates interconnected living areas such as the lounge and dining spaces, promoting a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The design reflects an understanding of how people engage with their surroundings, particularly those who rely on senses other than sight.

In examining the key components of the design, one observes a keen sensitivity to spatial organization and materiality. The home features organic forms and curves, which serve to soften the edges typically associated with traditional architectural designs. This choice fosters an inviting atmosphere, encouraging exploration rather than constraining movement. The use of large glass panels throughout allows natural light to filter in while also maintaining a visual connection with the surroundings. This feature strengthens the bond between the interior and the exterior, ensuring that the occupants feel tethered to the environment, which is essential in providing a holistic living experience.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the overall character of the project. Concrete provides the necessary structural support, while wood introduces warmth and texture, creating a sense of comfort within the living spaces. Metal accents may be employed strategically to reinforce structural elements, providing a modern edge to the otherwise organic composition. Each material has been chosen not only for its functional properties but also for its capacity to evoke a particular sensory response, which is fundamental in the context of a home designed for visually impaired individuals.

The architectural plans and sections present a clear picture of the innovative spatial strategies employed. The circular layouts observed in the design emphasize pathways that integrate small thresholds, allowing residents to navigate without encountering confining corners or abrupt transitions. This design choice heightens the ability to perceive space in a more tactile and experiential manner, offering residents opportunities to discover their home through touch and sound, thus enriching their lived experience.

What stands out in this architectural project is its attention to creating a balance between privacy and community. The design facilitates various modes of living—from solitude to social interaction—by utilizing both closed and open areas effectively. Each space is differentiated yet interconnected, reflecting an understanding of the diverse emotional and social needs of the inhabitants.

Overall, the "Diurnal || Inward-Outward" home epitomizes how architectural design can serve as a vehicle for enhancing quality of life, particularly for marginalized groups. This project demonstrates that thoughtful consideration of user needs, coupled with innovative design approaches, can result in environments that are both functional and deeply resonant. For those interested in exploring architectural designs that prioritize inclusivity and community engagement, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project will provide deeper insights into its complexities and the ideas that shaped its conception.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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
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