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Filtering Light Through Timber and Open-Air Courtyards

Authors:
Alex Ward, Crystal Nguyen, Linzhen Chew, Nayely Furntes
Filtering Light Through Timber and Open-Air Courtyards

Project in-detail

A carefully designed timber skeleton filters natural light while a central open-air courtyard enhances spatial connectivity, creating a peaceful retreat perfect for a couple seeking refuge in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber skeleton provides structural and aesthetic elements while filtering natural light.
02
An open-air courtyard enhances daylight and fosters outdoor connection within the home.
03
Sliding panels offer adjustable sunlight control and privacy based on resident needs.
04
The design prioritizes a cohesive relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Located on Kungshatt Island, it emphasizes tranquility and immersion in nature.

The Shadow House is located on the island of Kungshatt, Sweden, and is designed to provide a peaceful escape from city life. The overall concept focuses on creating a close relationship with the natural environment. The design facilitates a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting an inviting atmosphere while allowing residents to enjoy their surroundings comfortably.

Light Filtration Features

The house is equipped with various light filtration elements that control the amount of sunlight entering the home. These features serve a dual purpose: they can block out unwanted light when needed, and they can allow light in to enhance the interior. The eco-friendly timber skeleton helps create a barrier between the inside of the house and the outside world, effectively channeling light into the living spaces while maintaining a connection to nature.

Open-Air Courtyard

A central component of the design is the open-air courtyard, which significantly influences the living experience. This courtyard allows natural light to fill the home, creating a sense of openness and connection with the outdoors. It helps eliminate feelings of confinement and invites fresh air to circulate, making the home feel spacious and welcoming.

Sliding Panels

Another important feature is the use of sliding panels. These panels serve as barriers that control direct sunlight and offer flexibility in how space is used. Residents can adjust these panels according to their needs, allowing for changes in light and privacy throughout the day. This practical design element enhances the livability of the home and reflects considerations for comfort and functionality.

The Shadow House’s thoughtful arrangement of design elements prioritizes interaction with the surrounding landscape, creating a calm living space. The design integrates various features that respond to natural light and environmental changes, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable environment for its residents.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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