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Interplay Of Light Through Lattice Screens And Natural Stone In A Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Michalina Maria Kubiak, Renata Maria Keller
Interplay Of Light Through Lattice Screens And Natural Stone In A Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Lattice screens filter daylight through a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing a family residence designed with concrete and natural stone, promoting sustainable living in Andalusia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lattice screens are designed to create dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.
02
Natural stone is used extensively to anchor the residence to its landscape.
03
High thermal mass materials reduce the need for active cooling.
04
The layout prioritizes cross-ventilation to enhance indoor air quality.
05
Local materials reflect the cultural heritage of the Andalusian region.

## Project Overview

Located in Andalusia, "The Home of Shadows" integrates a sophisticated approach to the interplay of light and shadow within its architectural framework. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the natural environment, utilizing sunlight for illumination and enhancing the inhabitants' mood while reducing dependence on artificial lighting. The arrangement of spaces and the careful selection of materials reflect sustainable architectural practices, positioning the residence as a notable example in the contemporary landscape.

## Spatial Organization

### Functionality and Flow

The residence is organized into distinct functional zones, balancing communal and private areas to support both social interaction and personal privacy. Central open spaces promote passive cooling and cross-ventilation, essential for adapting to the Andalusian climate. The design prioritizes logical circulation paths, permitting seamless movement throughout the dwelling and fostering visual connections with the outdoor environments.

### Architectural Features

The cross-section and elevation drawings reveal the building's extensive vertical and horizontal relationships. High ceilings and iterative archways enhance the sense of spaciousness and natural light penetration. The west elevation utilizes intricate latticework that diffuses sunlight, casting varied shadows within the interior, thus enriching the daily living experience.

## Material Considerations

The material selection for "The Home of Shadows" focuses on sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Cement and concrete provide structural integrity while regulating indoor temperatures through thermal mass. Wooden elements contribute a natural warmth, while locally sourced natural stone reinforces the connection to the regional context, particularly in outdoor areas that link the residence to its surroundings. The building’s exterior features a white render, reflecting sunlight and contributing to a cooler indoor environment. Additionally, lattice screens serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, offering privacy while allowing light to permeate the spaces.

## Design Characteristics

### Light Interaction

The design's strategic placement of openings and lattice elements facilitates a dynamic exchange of light and shadows, enriching the sensory experience throughout the day.

### Integration with Nature

Indoor and outdoor environments are interconnected, with natural features such as water elements and greenery enhancing relaxation and contemplation areas.

### Sustainability and Cultural Resonance

The use of natural light and local materials demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, aiming for minimal environmental impact while fostering a lifestyle attuned to the surrounding landscape. The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Andalusian forms, reflecting the cultural heritage through its use of archways and shading devices, thus merging contemporary design with local tradition.

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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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