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Dynamic Light Play Through Translucent Glass in a Three-Space Residence

Authors:
Hyunjun Kim, Jihyung Kim
Dynamic Light Play Through Translucent Glass in a Three-Space Residence

Project in-detail

Translucent glass walls capture and modulate natural light, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows within a three-space residence on Jeju Island that responds thoughtfully to its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure interacts with sunlight throughout the day.
02
Higher ceilings facilitate varying shadow experiences.
03
Four wall types create unique lighting effects.
04
Geometric patterns enhance light and shadow perception.
05
Translucent glass ensures privacy while inviting natural light.

'THE SHADOW FILTER' is located on Jeju Island and designed to interact with sunlight as it moves across the sky. The structure includes three main functional spaces, enclosed by four walls that are key to creating changes in light and shadow. The main idea focuses on enhancing the atmosphere of the rooms through the use of natural light. As the day progresses, the space transforms, offering different experiences to the people inside.

Spatial Organization

The design features a higher ceiling, which allows more light to enter. This height facilitates the creation of varying shadows that change throughout the day. As sunlight travels, the interior and exterior become involved in a fluid exchange, giving residents diverse lighting experiences as they move through the house. The intentional arrangement of these height variations enhances the connection between the light and the space, impacting the overall atmosphere.

Wall Design and Light Dynamics

There are four types of walls in the structure, incorporating both curved and straight lines. These walls contribute to different lighting effects that evolve with the sun's movement. The design of the walls helps adjust how bright or dark the rooms become, creating a variable indoor environment. This consideration of light is important, as it affects how people feel and interact in each space, making ambient quality a priority.

Geometric Elements and Patterns

Geometric features, such as circles and squares, are integrated into the wall patterns, highlighting the differences between light and shadow. This choice adds character to the design, affecting how residents perceive their environment. The arrangement of these shapes not only serves a practical role but also enhances the visual interest of the space, engaging the occupants and making for a livelier atmosphere.

Privacy and Transparency

The exterior uses translucent glass that allows light to flow through while also providing privacy. This choice contributes to the overall unity of the design, giving a clear view of the surrounding landscape. As sunlight passes through the glass, it creates a gentle glow inside, enriching the living areas. The thoughtful design serves to enhance the daily experience of the inhabitants by drawing them closer to nature and responding carefully to its changes.

The essence of 'THE SHADOW FILTER' lies in its careful approach to natural light. It reflects a thoughtful consideration of how light can shape the experience of living spaces, creating a home that evolves throughout the day.

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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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