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Dynamic Light Play Enhances Living Spaces for Digital Workers

Authors:
Debora Di Francesco, Doni Hallko
Dynamic Light Play Enhances Living Spaces for Digital Workers
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Strategically utilizing cannon-lumières to modulate natural light, the design creates dynamic living spaces that effectively separate work areas from relaxation zones, catering to the needs of digital workers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cannon-lumières to dynamically adjust natural light based on daily activities.
02
Distinct zoning separates work and leisure spaces to enhance occupant well-being.
03
The architecture emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow to enrich interior experiences.
04
Expansive windows frame views of the surrounding Italian countryside, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
The layout facilitates a seamless transition between professional tasks and personal relaxation.

Chiaroscuro is an architectural design located in the Italian countryside, created for a couple who work in digital fields. The focus of the design is on finding a balance between their work and personal lives. It uses light and shadow as central themes, which enhance the living environment. The design aims to create a space that allows for both productivity and relaxation, while keeping a close connection to the natural surroundings.

Lighting Dynamics

A key feature of Chiaroscuro is the use of cannon-lumières, special fixtures that adjust the flow of natural light within the home. These devices allow the light to change throughout the day, providing direct illumination when intense focus is needed and softer, diffused light during times of leisure. This flexibility in lighting creates spaces that feel both functional and welcoming for everyday activities.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the home divides areas meant for work and those intended for relaxation. This clear separation helps define how occupants interact with different parts of their day. Each space serves a specific purpose, easing the transition between productivity and downtime. Such organization is essential in creating an environment that supports various needs and enhances overall well-being.

Light and Shadow Interaction

The relationship between light and shadow plays a significant role in the interior of Chiaroscuro. As daylight shifts throughout the day, shadows change, adding character and depth to the living spaces. This dynamic quality not only enriches the environment but also encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings in a thoughtful way. The exploration of this interplay emphasizes the balance found in daily life and underscores the house's core concept.

Design Detail

Expansive windows are placed strategically throughout the house, allowing plenty of natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. This design element reinforces a sense of connection to the outdoors while enhancing the overall experience of living in the home. By focusing on how light and space interact, Chiaroscuro highlights thoughtful design choices that contribute to a comfortable and balanced lifestyle.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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