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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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