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Fabric-Centric Design Embracing Shadow Hierarchy in Residential Living

Authors:
Yoon Ju Choi, Hyun Min Lee
Fabric-Centric Design Embracing Shadow Hierarchy in Residential Living
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Integrating fabric as a primary element to create dynamic shadow patterns, the design enhances spatial experiences while maximizing natural light in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates fabric to shape light and shadow dynamics throughout the interior.
02
Features an east-west-oriented bedroom for optimal morning light.
03
Utilizes varying fabric densities to influence shadow intensity in different rooms.
04
Applies distinct color temperatures to enhance the ambiance of active and restful spaces.
05
Maximizes south-facing windows to capture natural light across all areas.

The site in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea, showcases a residential design that centers on how light and shadow interact within living spaces. The design emphasizes the concept of shadow hierarchy, inspired by the natural effects of clouds and trees on light conditions. Every aspect of the layout is crafted to respond to the sun’s path, promoting a connection between the interior and the surrounding environment.

Orientation and Spatial Configuration

Living spaces are organized with careful attention to orientation. The main areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and workroom, face south to capture maximum sunlight. In contrast, the bedroom is aligned in an east-west direction, which helps differentiate how light influences each area. This arrangement creates distinct atmospheres that cater to both daily activities and moments of rest.

Materiality and Shadow Play

Fabric serves as the primary material throughout the home, playing an important role in shaping the experience of light and shadow. Lighter fabrics produce subtle shadows, while denser materials cast deeper shadows. This choice of fabric impacts not only the room's appearance but also how it feels when inhabited. It furthers the project’s exploration of the relationship between shadow and space, inviting a unique sense of depth and texture.

Color Temperature and Atmosphere

A thoughtful approach to color temperature enhances the mood of each space within the home. Active areas feature a cooler color temperature of 6500K, while restful areas are bathed in a warmer 2700K light. This strategy helps create environments that support various functions throughout the day, reinforcing the design's aim of promoting comfort and well-being.

A notable aspect of the design becomes apparent as natural light shifts during the day. The changing patterns cast by the fabric choices create an experience that evolves, providing a continuous connection to the time of day and the outside world. The interiors transform, responding to the rhythms of nature while offering a calming space for those who dwell within.

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

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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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