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Dynamic Lightplay in a Temporal Dwelling

Authors:
Chris Mewburn, Isaac Mccormack
Dynamic Lightplay in a Temporal Dwelling
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Engaging with the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, this temporal dwelling offers a unique living experience for its occupants while emphasizing artistic expression and connection to the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber framework enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
02
Charred wood shingles provide weather resistance and unique texture.
03
Bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Interior spaces are aligned with circadian rhythms for daily engagement.
05
Artistic studios within the dwelling encourage creative exploration.

The Body of Time presents a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between time and space. Located in a serene environment, the dwelling embodies an experience that encourages occupants to engage with the passage of time. The design carefully arranges spaces, each meant for specific moments throughout the day, fostering a deeper awareness of daily rhythms.

Concept

At the heart of the design is the interaction of light and shadow, which creates a lively atmosphere. As the sun moves across the sky, its position changes the experience within each interior space. This dynamic approach allows for a continuous connection with the natural world, transforming the space into a living entity where occupants can experience the shifts of time throughout the day.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the dwelling is carefully planned to respond to the daylight. The contours of the building shape the way light enters and moves through the spaces. This design choice enhances the relationship between those living inside and the environment outside. As the sun rises and sets, it reveals and conceals areas within the house, creating a connection that changes with the hours and seasons.

Artistic Expression

Within the walls of this dwelling, two visionary artists find inspiration. The design goes beyond functionality and serves as a space that nurtures artistic exploration. Time is fluid here, allowing creativity to flourish alongside daily life. The environment not only supports living but also encourages the development of art, blending the two experiences into a cohesive whole.

The relationship between the building and the experience of time culminates in a space where light and shadow dance together. This interplay creates a dialogue that reveals the essence of time, engaging occupants in an ongoing relationship with their surroundings.

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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
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

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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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
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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