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Dynamic Light Modulation Through Curvilinear Forms and Wood Louvers in a Sustainable Residential Setting

Dynamic Light Modulation Through Curvilinear Forms and Wood Louvers in a Sustainable Residential Setting
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Curvilinear forms combined with dynamic light modulation through wood louvers create a home in the USA that enhances the daily experience of natural illumination for a couple living without artificial light.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear exterior enhances the home's integration with the surrounding landscape.
02
Dynamic light modulation minimizes reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day.
03
Wood louvers allow adjustable shading to optimize natural light in living spaces.
04
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique texture while enhancing durability and weather resistance.

### Project Overview

The Diurnal House is a conceptual residential design focused on maximizing natural light. Designed for a hypothetical couple living without artificial illumination, the project explores the interactions between architecture and the sun's daily path, aiming to enhance the inhabitants' connection to the natural environment. This design considers the cyclical nature of daily living and the effects of light on mood and atmosphere throughout different times of day.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout of the Diurnal House employs a simplified linear configuration that allows for distinct zones, each receiving sunlight during specific periods. Key areas include a morning space that captures the warmth of the rising sun, a vibrant lunch area designed for bright midday light, and a tranquil evening space that offers soft illumination as the day concludes. This organized spatial arrangement enhances the functionality and comfort of daily routines by providing differentiated environments throughout the day.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Innovative material choices are fundamental to the design of the Diurnal House. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while enabling fluid forms, and large glass openings facilitate light penetration, creating a strong connection to the outdoors. Wood louvers enhance light modulation within the interior, allowing for adjustable shade and contributing to the overall sustainability of the dwelling. Together, these materials promote energy efficiency and passive solar gain, aligning the design with contemporary sustainability principles.

### Unique Design Features

The Diurnal House incorporates distinctive elements that distinguish it from conventional residential architectures. Dynamic light modulation is achieved through strategically positioned louvers and skylights that adaptively channel daylight, creating varied interior atmospheres. The use of curvilinear forms introduces an organic aesthetic, reinforcing the theme of harmony with nature. Additionally, varying ceiling heights introduce visual interest while facilitating personal interactions with light and shadow, ensuring that occupants engage deeply with their environment. The design also emphasizes connections between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, enabling inhabitants to experience nature continuously without compromising comfort.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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