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Embracing Light and Shadow with a Transparent Roof and Intimate Spaces

Authors:
Yitao Zhong, RuiJie Yan, ZiYang Han, Jieruo Zhang
Embracing Light and Shadow with a Transparent Roof and Intimate Spaces

Project in-detail

A transparent grid roof transforms the relationship between light and shadow, creating intimate spaces that enhance daily activities in a home designed to thrive without artificial lighting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transparent grid roof maximizes natural light and manages solar gain.
02
Yoga room designed to be shadow-free for an uplifting experience.
03
Bathroom intentionally embraces darkness for privacy and relaxation.
04
Dynamic lighting in dining area mimics the movement of water.
05
Warm, dim lighting in the bedroom promotes comfort and coziness.

The Luminous Lifeline Residence presents a fresh approach to how a home can interact with natural light. Located in a harmonious environment, the design eliminates the need for artificial lighting by focusing entirely on daylight. The concept revolves around a "shadow house," which allows the shifting qualities of sunlight to play a crucial role in daily life, enhancing the experience of living within the space.

Structural Design

A key feature is the transparent grid roof made from thin sheets of beams. This construction allows sunlight to enter freely, creating interesting patterns of light and shadow throughout the interior. The design connects the inside of the house with the outside world, making the changing light conditions a part of everyday life.

Spatial Arrangement

Each room is designed with a focus on its specific activities. The yoga room, for example, is kept free of shadow to create a bright and uplifting space that encourages meditation and relaxation. In contrast, the bathroom intentionally embraces darkness to provide a sense of privacy and tranquility, creating a personal oasis within the home.

Atmospheric Qualities

In the bedroom, warm, dim lighting fosters a cozy environment, reminiscent of a gentle lantern's glow. The dining area features dynamic lighting that mimics the rhythm of water, inviting lively conversations and social interactions. This thoughtful configuration of light helps to define the character of each room while maintaining an overall sense of warmth and connection.

Detailed Engagement

The Luminous Lifeline Residence highlights the importance of natural light in shaping daily activities. Through the careful design of light and shadow, each space offers a unique atmosphere that responds to the needs of its residents. As one moves through the home, the experience shifts with the light, connecting the individual to the rhythms of the day and enhancing engagement with their environment. The rhythm of life within the home flows smoothly, guided by the changing quality of light as it transforms each moment.

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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

Enter an open architecture
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