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Dappled Light Effects Enhanced by Textured Brick and Transparent Glass in Community-Focused Residential Living

Authors:
Alex Fown, Cayley Black
Dappled Light Effects Enhanced by Textured Brick and Transparent Glass in Community-Focused Residential Living

Project in-detail

With an architectural design that strategically utilizes textured brick and expansive glass to create a play of dappled light, the residence seamlessly merges private and community spaces, fostering interaction in a vibrant urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence incorporates a dappled light effect achieved through strategically placed window openings, enhancing the spatial experience throughout the day.
02
Textured brickwork is used not only for aesthetic appeal but also to create a robust and locally resonant facade that connects with the surrounding architectural context.
03
A dual-volume layout effectively separates private living areas from communal spaces, facilitating both intimacy and interaction among residents.
04
Large glass panels blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, fostering a seamless connection to the natural environment and encouraging outdoor engagement.
05
Sustainable design principles are evident in the integration of passive solar heating and energy-efficient insulation, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Dapple House is an exemplary architectural project that masterfully blends modern design with a sensitivity to its urban context. Developed for a retired publisher, this residence serves not only as a home but also reflects a thoughtful approach to communal living and interaction. Situated in an urban setting characterized by its historical double brick-layered buildings, the Dapple House stands as a contemporary response that honors its surroundings while offering innovative solutions for modern living.

At its core, the Dapple House embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes light, space, and community engagement. The design integrates various elements that promote a seamless interaction between the indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring that each space within the home is bathed in natural light. This is particularly achieved through an innovative window placement that creates "dappled" light effects throughout the day, thus enhancing the experience of each room. The architectural design takes into account the sun's trajectory, ensuring that the home benefits from optimal daylighting conditions while creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

Functionally, the Dapple House is divided into two distinct volumes that articulate the separation of private and public spaces. This arrangement not only maximizes privacy for the residents but also fosters open areas for social interaction. The ground floor is designed as a communal space, encouraging gatherings and fostering a sense of community, which is essential for the client. In contrast, private quarters are located on the upper level, ensuring a clear demarcation between social activities and personal retreats.

The architectural details of the Dapple House are noteworthy, particularly its material palette, which speaks to both durability and aesthetic appeal. Traditional brick is used extensively in the façade, creating a visual link to the local architectural language while also bringing warmth and texture to the exterior. The careful selection of materials extends indoors with exposed wooden beams and flooring, offering a tactile quality that enhances the inviting atmosphere. Additionally, expansive glass panels are strategically employed to facilitate unobstructed views of the surroundings, further connecting the interior spaces to nature and the urban landscape.

One of the unique design approaches seen in the Dapple House is its treatment of light and shadow. The architecture deliberately utilizes window configurations to create varying light conditions, allowing the spaces to evolve throughout the day. This dynamic use of light is coupled with an emphasis on landscape integration, where green spaces are thoughtfully incorporated into the design. The exterior not only functions as a boundary but also serves as a transition zone that invites nature into the living experience, enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents.

Sustainability is another key consideration in the Dapple House design. The project incorporates passive solar heating strategies and efficient insulation practices that reduce environmental impact while providing comfort to its inhabitants. This responsible approach to architecture ensures that the home meets modern sustainability standards without compromising on aesthetic quality or functionality.

In summary, the Dapple House is an architectural project that showcases an insightful approach to modern residential design. Its careful attention to materiality, innovative use of light, and respectful relationship with its urban context position this design as a model for future architectural endeavors. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the project, including its architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts, further analysis and presentations are available that highlight its unique contributions to contemporary architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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