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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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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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