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Embracing Shadows with Thatch and Bamboo in Tropical Living

Authors:
Pitchayuth Saenyudtitham, Rachain Burinthanachat, Poramin Tavon, Tanakorn Nitisak
Embracing Shadows with Thatch and Bamboo in Tropical Living
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A thatched roof and bamboo structure harness the interplay of light and shadow to create a tranquil living environment designed for pottery and communal activities in a tropical setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatch roof structure enhances ventilation and reduces indoor heat.
02
Bamboo roof purlins provide flexibility in design and environmental compatibility.
03
Central courtyard promotes interaction while offering shaded outdoor space.
04
Adjustable partitions allow for customizable light and shadow effects.
05
Design aligns functions with the sun's path for optimal natural lighting.

The AJJIMA HOUSE is located in Khaoyai, Nakorrachasima, Thailand, and is designed to connect with the local climate and lifestyle. Its architecture emphasizes the role of light and shadow, creating spaces that respond to natural daily rhythms. By aligning the functions of the home with the sun's path, the design maximizes natural light while ensuring a comfortable environment for its residents.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the AJJIMA HOUSE is designed to make the most of sunlight. Each area in the home is positioned based on the sun's movement, allowing light to flow into different spaces throughout the day. This thoughtful arrangement not only improves the living experience but also strengthens the connection between people and their environment. For example, the pottery area flows into the courtyard, bridging indoor activities with the green landscape outside.

Central Core

At the center of the house is a core space that serves as the main source of natural light. This area is constructed to allow light to travel through openings, influencing how different rooms feel. As occupants enter the house, they move from darker spaces into this bright central area, which leads to a courtyard shaded by trees. This shift from shadow to light highlights the changing qualities of the space, making it a central feature of daily life in the home.

Materiality

The AJJIMA HOUSE uses a thatch roof and bamboo roof purlins, which are well-suited for the local weather. These materials help with ventilation and keeping the interior cool. By choosing such traditional building methods, the design respects the local context while supporting comfort. The roofing choices also ensure that the house maintains a pleasant temperature throughout the year.

Flexibility and Flow

Adjustable partitions are an important part of the design, offering flexibility in how light enters the rooms. These partitions allow occupants to customize shades as needed, adapting to different times of day. The layout encourages easy movement between spaces, such as the piano area and the living room, promoting both community and privacy. This arrangement supports various activities, whether socializing with family or enjoying time alone.

The combination of these features creates a home that is attuned to its tropical surroundings. Light transforms the interior, shaping the daily experiences of those who live there.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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