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Dynamic Shadows Shaped by Waffle Slab Construction in a Climate-Responsive Home

Authors:
Thakan Navapakpilai, Lalinthip Maholarnkij
Dynamic Shadows Shaped by Waffle Slab Construction in a Climate-Responsive Home
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Crafted with a shadow core that captures and manipulates sunlight, this home utilizes a waffle slab roof to enhance thermal comfort and define dynamic living spaces in response to the local climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shadow core strategically captures light throughout the day.
02
Zoning allows for distinct sunlight interaction in living spaces.
03
Open waffle slab roof reduces heat while allowing natural light.
04
Design emphasizes thermal comfort in a humid climate.
05
Dynamic shadows define space and enhance user experience.

Following the Shadow is located in the hot and humid climate of Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The design emphasizes how shadows can reshape living spaces and create a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. By effectively using the flow of sunlight, the project creates a lively setting where daily activities are defined by the changing qualities of light.

Central Concept

The design focuses on shadows as an essential element that shapes spaces and affects how people engage with their surroundings. It proposes a shaded form of living that adapts to the variations in sunlight throughout the day. The arrangement of rooms is carefully aligned with the sun’s path, creating a flexible layout that prioritizes comfort and usability.

Spatial Organization

The design uses zoning to create different areas that allow people to interact with sunlight as they choose. Occupants can embrace direct light or find refuge in shaded spots based on their activities. This configuration supports various experiences throughout the day. It allows for both shared moments among family members and personal quiet time. The layout encourages natural movement, making it easy to flow between indoor and outdoor areas while remaining mindful of the changing light.

Architectural Elements

The core of the house serves both practical and artistic purposes, designed to capture sunlight at different times. This core creates shifting shadow patterns within the living spaces, enhancing everyday experiences. The open waffle slab roof helps to screen harsh sunlight and improve thermal comfort, ensuring that the interior spaces are well-lit and pleasant to be in.

Environmental Responsiveness

The design addresses the local climate, reducing reliance on artificial lights while making use of natural light. It enables a good flow of air and light, which is crucial in a hot and humid area. Responding to local conditions makes the living spaces more comfortable and creates a deeper appreciation for how time and light change throughout the day.

As the light shifts, it projects varying patterns onto surfaces, creating a rich atmosphere. This design does more than just house its occupants; it allows them to experience the beauty of light and shadow in everyday life.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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