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Façade Cutouts and Biophilic Design Enhance Natural Light in a Modern Home Crafted from Layered Wood and Concrete

Author:
Michal Marták
Façade Cutouts and Biophilic Design Enhance Natural Light in a Modern Home Crafted from Layered Wood and Concrete

Project in-detail

Patterned cutouts in the façade allow light to dance across the interior, while the thoughtful integration of concrete and layered wood creates a modern dwelling that seamlessly connects with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Patterned cutouts in the façade create dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while minimizing waste.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a protective layer that blends with the environment.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes space and enhances natural ventilation.
05
The integration of an indoor atrium fosters biophilic connections to nature.
The architectural design project, known as "House of Shadows," is a residential structure that emphasizes the interaction between light and spatial experience. This project utilizes innovative architectural forms to create an environment where light plays a central role in defining spaces and enhancing the quality of living. The design reflects a balance between contemporary aesthetics and functional living, ensuring that users benefit from both visual and emotional connections to their surroundings.

The primary function of the House of Shadows is to serve as a dwelling, accommodating a range of activities from daily living to socializing. The layout is intentionally designed to promote fluidity between spaces, facilitating movement and interaction among occupants. The architectural elements create a cohesive living experience that maximizes natural light and views, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of this project is its façade, which incorporates a pattern of cutouts that manipulate light and shadow. This design choice creates varying light conditions throughout the day, establishing a dynamic visual experience that evolves over time. The interplay of light on interior surfaces is an important aspect of the overall experience, enhancing the ambiance and making the space feel alive.

Furthermore, the use of materials plays a significant role in the project's design language. A combination of concrete, wood, glass, and metal is employed to produce a tactile and visually engaging structure. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood adds warmth and texture, integrating the house with its natural landscape. Large glass windows ensure that the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors are blurred, enhancing the connection to the site and allowing natural light to flood the interiors. Metal accents contribute to the modern aesthetic while serving functional purposes in the architectural composition.

Interior spaces are meticulously organized to foster interaction and privacy. The open-concept kitchen and living area serve as the social heart of the home, encouraging gatherings and daily interactions. The hallway is designed as a transitional space that connects private and communal areas, emphasizing movement while serving a practical purpose. The integration of an atrium adds an indoor garden element that supports biophilic design principles, thereby merging nature with living space.

Architectural Elements

The architectural elements of the House of Shadows are deliberately selected to enhance both function and interaction with light. The layout incorporates a grand foyer and strategically placed windows to optimize natural lighting throughout the day. The circulation patterns promote ease of movement, while the unique design of the façade influences both the exterior and interior light dynamics.

Additional architectural details, such as the innovative lighting strategy, utilize fixtures to complement ambient light and further define the spatial experience. The varied textures of the materials add complexity to visual perceptions, while also responding to the changing quality of light at different times of the day.

To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and design principles behind the House of Shadows, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that provide insights into the craftsmanship and thought processes involved in its development. An examination of the unique features and comprehensive layout will reveal both the functionality and aesthetic intentions of this noteworthy project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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