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Dynamic Light Play in Rural Living

Authors:
Debora Di francesco, Doni Hallko
Dynamic Light Play in Rural Living

Project in-detail

Strategically placed cannon-lumières enhance the interplay of light and shadow within a small residence designed for digital workers, fostering an adaptable living environment in the Italian countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique cannon-lumières adjust sunlight based on daily activities.
02
The design promotes a balance between work and leisure.
03
Light and shadow dynamically shift throughout the day.
04
Spatial organization enhances both productivity and relaxation.
05
Located in the picturesque Italian countryside.

Chiaroscuro is a residential design located in the Italian countryside, intended for a couple of digital workers. The house focuses on balancing work and personal life, addressing the growing need for harmony in daily living. Central to the design is the relationship between light and shadow, which shapes the spaces and enhances the occupants' connection to nature.

Lighting Design

Strategic placement of cannon-lumières enhances the use of natural light inside the house. These lighting elements are arranged to optimize sunlight, allowing the inhabitants to adjust the atmosphere according to their daily activities. Direct light streams into specific areas when needed, while diffused indirect light fills the rest of the space. This careful arrangement supports a dynamic and adaptable living environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of Chiaroscuro effectively organizes spaces to fulfill various functions while ensuring a cohesive flow. Every area is designed to serve a clear purpose, promoting both productivity and relaxation. This thoughtful arrangement allows residents to smoothly transition between work responsibilities and personal time, enriching their overall quality of life.

Light and Shadow Experience

A key feature of the design is the way it emphasizes the changing qualities of light and shadow throughout the day. As sunlight moves, the interplay of light creates a varied atmosphere within the home. This shifting quality not only adds visual interest but also connects inhabitants to their surroundings, aligning with their daily rhythms.

The focus on light and shadow results in a rich residential experience defined by both practicality and beauty. Each space naturally reflects the needs and lifestyle of its occupants, while also responding to the picturesque backdrop of the Italian countryside.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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