Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Layered Lilac Hues and Translucent Spaces in a Highveld Residence

Authors:
Kimal Osman, Chinenye Chukwuka, Saalihah Kolia, Zubair Meeah
Layered Lilac Hues and Translucent Spaces in a Highveld Residence
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Drenched in natural light through its distinctive dormers and layered lilac-dyed fabrics, the residence utilizes transparency to create a harmonious connection with the surrounding highveld landscape while serving as a comfortable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes lilac ageratum dye to enhance textiles, reflecting the local environment.
02
Features a series of dormers that maximize natural light and views of the night sky.
03
Incorporates translucent curtains to manipulate light and privacy within the interior.
04
Designed to respond dynamically to seasonal sun arcs for optimal illumination.
05
Establishes a visual connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding highveld landscape.

The building is located in Suideroord, Johannesburg South, Gauteng, South Africa. It sits between a residential area and the Klipsriviersberg Nature Reserve. The design focuses on transparency and light, creating a dialogue between the indoor spaces and the natural landscape. This approach combines thoughtful geometry with practical functionality, enhancing the experience of living in harmony with the environment.

Geometry and Structure

The roof features a pitched design with several dormers, which are strategically placed to capture natural light. This design allows sunlight to fill the interior while offering views of the night sky. The overall shape of the building is not just for aesthetic appeal; it also reacts appropriately to seasonal changes in sunlight, enabling a comfortable atmosphere throughout the year.

Interior Spatial Dynamics

Internally, the layout contrasts with the more rigid exterior forms. Each space is carefully defined yet flows into the next, promoting interaction among living and entertaining areas. This design fosters an inclusive environment where light and space work together. The arrangement is aimed at maximizing natural light, creating an uplifting atmosphere in every room.

Light Manipulation and Color Application

Light plays a vital role in shaping the environment. Curtains serve both practical and visual purposes. They outline the spaces while allowing light to enter freely. Their translucent quality enhances the depth of light within the home. Additionally, color derived from natural dyes made from the lilac ageratum flower brings warmth and connection to the local landscape. The layering of these dyed fabrics creates interesting visual effects, with overlapping colors adding dimension to the interiors.

Environmental Considerations

A focus on ecological sensitivity is evident in the design. The placement of windows and the arrangement of spaces are specifically planned to make the best use of natural light, thus reducing energy use. This strategy helps the building connect with its surroundings, leading to a balance between nature and design.

The façade captures changing light during the day, giving the building a dynamic quality. As the sun moves, the structure's character shifts, allowing for a varied visual experience that engages anyone who sees it.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy