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Dynamic Shadows and Sustainable Wood Create Personal Spaces in Residential Living

Authors:
Ilrang Hwang, Juho Han, Nahyun Shin, Jeongmin Ju
Dynamic Shadows and Sustainable Wood Create Personal Spaces in Residential Living

Project in-detail

Characterized by an intricate interplay of dynamic shadows and the warmth of sustainable wood materials, the residence achieves a balance between personal boundaries and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes dynamic shadow play to enhance spatial awareness and personal interaction.
02
Incorporates an indoor garden that improves air quality and connects occupants with nature.
03
Features adjustable privacy curtains that redefine visual boundaries within shared spaces.
04
Constructed with a bent A-frame design that facilitates efficient structural integrity and aesthetics.
05
Employs sustainable wood sourced from renewable practices, contributing to environmental responsibility.

"The Home of Shadow" is an architectural design project that emphasizes personal boundaries within intimate relationships. The project interprets psychological concepts from couple therapy, notably the relevance of respecting individual space while fostering connections. The design merges functionality with emotional responsiveness, creating an environment that enhances interaction and privacy.

The layout of "The Home of Shadow" exemplifies a fluid spatial organization. The interior features open communal areas paired with distinct private zones, ensuring that inhabitants can engage with each other while maintaining personal space. Key areas within the structure include a spacious living room, a kitchen designed for collaborative cooking, and several bedrooms that offer a retreat from communal activities. The integration of natural elements, such as an indoor garden, contributes to the well-being of occupants by improving air quality and providing a connection to nature.

The use of materials in the construction is critical to both aesthetics and functionality. Glass is employed extensively for partitions and walls, promoting transparency and allowing natural light to permeate the interiors. This choice encourages an open atmosphere while still defining spaces. Wood, likely sourced from sustainable practices, is used for flooring and built-in furniture, providing warmth and tactile variety. Concrete acts as a structural element, ensuring the stability of the design while being visually compatible with softer materials. Additionally, innovative fabric components, referred to as "Silhouette Curtains," allow occupants to adjust their visual privacy, enhancing the adaptability of shared spaces.

Unique Design Approaches

The project introduces the Silhouette Adjustment Method, which invites residents to navigate interactions in a way that respects personal boundaries. This method underscores the intentionality behind architectural design as a facilitator of communication, encouraging occupants to engage in thoughtfully configured spaces. Curvilinear pathways throughout the home disrupt traditional linear layouts, inviting exploration and offering an organic flow that enhances the living experience.

The architectural choices emphasize a connection to the external environment, utilizing large windows and carefully placed openings to frame views of the outdoors. This design approach allows for dynamic changeability in light and shadow across the interiors, symbolizing the evolving nature of relationships and personal dynamics over time.

Design Outcomes and Functional Aspects

The architectural organization of "The Home of Shadow" promotes both individual and communal activities, with a significant focus on creating versatile spaces. The layout supports spontaneous interactions in common areas, while the private zones are crafted for moments of solitude. The indoor garden serves multiple purposes: it acts as an aesthetic focal point, improves air quality, and fosters a sense of calm.

This design effectively merges psychological insights with architectural strategies, serving as a model for future developments focused on enhancing personal relationships through thoughtful spatial design. The intentional integration of materials, the creation of adaptable spaces, and the incorporation of natural elements lead to a comprehensive living experience.

For further exploration of "The Home of Shadow" and its architectural ideas, we encourage readers to examine architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs that illustrate the project’s unique features and functionalities.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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