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Emphasizing Light and Shadow Through Perforated Aluminum Panels in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Residence

Emphasizing Light and Shadow Through Perforated Aluminum Panels in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Residence
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Perforated aluminum panels create an intricate play of light and shadow, seamlessly blending the interior and exterior to enhance the living experience in this sustainable residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated aluminum panels create dynamic shadow patterns that shift throughout the day.
02
Extensive glass surfaces maximize daylight while providing unobstructed views of the landscape.
03
The open floor plan encourages flexibility and communal interaction among residents.
04
Native plant landscaping reinforces the home’s connection to its local environment.
05
The design emphasizes energy efficiency through the manipulation of natural light.

### Project Overview
Located in a vibrant setting, the design titled "The Home of Shadows" explores the relationship between architecture and the dynamic presence of light. This project, submitted for Edition #2 of an architecture competition focused on the theme of "Carnival," aims to create a space that promotes interaction with its environment while illuminating the festive spirit inherent to such celebrations. The architectural intent is to enhance natural light exposure while integrating harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

### Light Manipulation and Spatial Dynamics
The project employs engineered perforated panel systems to strategically manage sunlight, producing variable light patterns that bring a playful dimension to the interior spaces. These panels are influenced by carnival motifs, introducing designs that echo the themes of joy and vibrancy. The entry court is particularly notable for its light-filtering capabilities, casting colorful shadows across living areas and creating a visually engaging atmosphere. The overall open floor plan facilitates unobstructed movement between spaces, fostering both communal engagement and personal reflection.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Materiality plays a significant role in the design's aesthetic and functional success. The primary element, high-quality aluminum perforated panels, is durable and adept at filtering light, thus establishing a unique interior ambiance. Extensive use of glass reinforces the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, maximizing natural light while framing views of the landscape. Additionally, the use of warm wooden flooring complements the natural light and enhances the sense of comfort. Surrounding landscaped gardens, featuring native plants, further enrich the environment and facilitate interactions, offering pathways and sitting areas that encourage outdoor engagement.

Key design features include the innovative sunlight manipulation, which reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and a culturally responsive aesthetic that resonates with local architectural traditions. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day results in a variable experience, ensuring that the atmosphere of the home evolves with environmental changes.

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The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
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Kinderspace
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Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

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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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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