Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy