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Dynamic Light Play with Perforated Brick Facade and Sustainable Wood Elements in Urban Dwelling

Authors:
Alex Fown, Cayley Black
Dynamic Light Play with Perforated Brick Facade and Sustainable Wood Elements in Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

A perforated brick screen filters natural light throughout the day while sustainable wood elements create a warm interior atmosphere in this urban residence focused on privacy and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated brick façade offers dynamic light modulation throughout the day.
02
Sustainable wood elements enhance warmth in a minimalistic design.
03
Architectural structure emphasizes privacy within an urban context.
04
Flexibly organized spaces adapt to various living functions.
05
Local materials were chosen to minimize the ecological footprint.
Dapple House is a residential architectural project located in Toronto, Canada. Designed for a retired publisher and author, the house focuses on creating a light-filled living space while maintaining a strong sense of privacy. The design integrates traditional materials with modern aesthetics, offering a strikingly functional yet comfortable environment for its inhabitants.

At the project's core is a well-considered response to the urban context. The architectural design includes a unique brick screen, which employs variously sized openings to achieve a dynamic play of natural light. This feature enhances light penetration and visual interest while providing necessary screening from neighboring properties. It facilitates a balance between public engagement and private retreat, catering to the needs of both the occupants and the surrounding urban fabric.

The spatial organization within Dapple House underscores functionality. The ground floor is primarily designated for communal living spaces that emphasize openness and connectivity, while the second floor accommodates private areas such as bedrooms. Large windows and glass doors enhance the connection between interior spaces and the external environment, promoting interaction with the natural setting.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the notable aspects of Dapple House is its architectural response to light and its effects throughout the day. The design carefully considers how sunlight will filter through the brick screen at various times, creating different atmospheric qualities in the living quarters. In the morning, soft light gently enters, enhancing the sense of tranquility, while the interplay of light and shadow at noon engages spatial dynamics. In the evening, the warm internal lighting fosters a cozy ambiance.

Sustainability is another critical consideration in this project. The materials chosen for Dapple House, including locally sourced brick and wood, reflect the commitment to environmentally friendly design practices. These choices not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its thermal performance and reduce its ecological footprint.

Experiential Architecture

The design of Dapple House addresses the complexities of urban living by prioritizing both privacy and community engagement. The arrangement of communal and private spaces allows for varied interaction patterns among the occupants, tailoring the living experience according to their needs. The duality of space is evident in the juxtaposition of public areas that invite connection and private zones that provide sanctuary.

For a thorough understanding of Dapple House, including its architectural plans, sections, and a detailed exploration of its design elements, readers are encouraged to engage with the project presentation. This exploration offers deeper insights into the architectural ideas and functional aspects that define this unique residential project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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