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Dynamic Shadow Play With Waffle Slab Structure in a Tropical Setting

Authors:
Thakan Navapakpilai, Lalinthip Maholarnkij
Dynamic Shadow Play With Waffle Slab Structure in a Tropical Setting

Project in-detail

With an open waffle slab roof creating dynamic shadow patterns, the design enables a comfortable living experience that blends indoor and outdoor spaces in a tropical climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic shadow territories shift throughout the day, influencing spatial experience and user routines.
02
The core structure captures sunlight, creating a sculptural element that enhances interior light quality.
03
The open waffle slab roof reduces heat gain while allowing diffuse light to permeate living spaces.
04
Living spaces are deliberately oriented to align with the sun's path, maximizing natural light and comfort.
05
Zoning for activities promotes a blend of privacy and communal interaction, catering to diverse schedules.

"Following the Shadow" is located in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, in a hot and humid setting. The design emphasizes connections between indoor and outdoor living, exploring how light and shadow can define spaces. The concept focuses on using shadows as essential elements in shaping experiences and guiding daily activities.

Design Concept

The arrangement of spaces is carefully planned to align with the sun's path. This lets light flow into the house during the day while also offering shaded areas for relaxation. The layout encourages a natural transition between different zones. Residents can move from sunlit spaces to cool retreats without feeling disconnected. This thoughtful design reflects the daily routines of its inhabitants and offers a balance between privacy and openness.

Architectural Features

A striking aspect of the design is the core structure, which acts as more than just a framework. This element captures sunlight and generates shifting shadow patterns throughout the day. These shadows influence how spaces are perceived and experienced. By creating distinct areas for different activities, the home accommodates both communal gatherings and quiet moments, enhancing overall livability.

Materiality and Performance

The open waffle slab roof is a key feature of the design. This structural choice plays a significant role in managing sunlight, helping to keep the indoor environment comfortable. The roof reduces heat absorption while allowing soft light to enter the spaces below. This design decision not only meets practical needs but also contributes to the aesthetic of the home.

Dynamic Interaction with Light

Throughout the day, light and shadow interact in a way that brings the architectural spaces to life. As the sun moves, shadows develop across walls and floors, creating changing patterns that invite residents to engage with their surroundings. This constant evolution of light enhances the sense of connection between the occupants and their living environment.

A distinctive aspect of the design is how these shadows create different atmospheres within the home. They guide residents toward areas of activity or solitude, deepening the relationship between the inhabitants and their space.

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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

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