Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Light-Filtered Spaces Enhanced by Natural Stone and Warm Timber Elements

Authors:
Shin Dongseok, Jeong Hanho, Byounghoon Jeong
Light-Filtered Spaces Enhanced by Natural Stone and Warm Timber Elements

Project in-detail

With light shelves and a central courtyard utilizing natural stone and wood, the residence harmonizes indoor and outdoor environments, emphasizing ecological sustainability while providing functional living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone and wood elements are integrated to enhance thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Light shelves are designed for optimal light diffusion throughout the living spaces.
03
A central courtyard features a water element, promoting ecological biodiversity.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Skylights are strategically placed to maximize natural light and ventilation within the residence.
The architectural design project titled "Margin - Light, Shadow & Space" exemplifies a thoughtful integration of natural elements and a distinctive philosophical exploration of light and shadow within a residential context. The project serves as a residence that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing inhabitants to engage with nature while enjoying functional living spaces. It effectively combines aesthetic considerations with ecological principles, creating a sustainable living experience.

The design prioritizes a central courtyard, which acts as a focal point for the residence. This courtyard features a water body and natural vegetation, enhancing the wellbeing of residents and providing a serene environment. Surrounding this central space are various functional rooms, including a living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms, all oriented to maximize views and ensure accessibility to natural light. The materials selected for the project – concrete, natural stone, wood, glass, soil, and vegetation – contribute to a cohesive aesthetic that promotes a sense of warmth and intimacy within the living spaces.

The project stands out due to its unique handling of natural light through innovative architectural strategies. Skylights and light shelves are integrated into the design, allowing for the diffusion of natural light throughout the interior spaces. This approach helps to minimize reliance on artificial lighting while enhancing the overall ambiance. The careful orientation of windows and openings creates dynamic light patterns that shift throughout the day, effectively merging the indoors with the outdoors. This focus on light not only defines the spatial experience but also reinforces the philosophical themes inherent in the project, connecting the built environment with elements of nature.

Another aspect that distinguishes "Margin" is its emphasis on ecological sustainability. The integration of gardens and water features not only serves aesthetic purposes but also supports biodiversity and ecological functions. By utilizing local plant species and integrating passive water management systems, the project reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. This fusion of functional design with ecological awareness positions the "Margin" project as a contemporary example of residential architecture that respects and enhances its setting.

For those interested in delving deeper into the specifics of this architectural endeavor, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas would provide valuable insights into the innovative approaches applied in this project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
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 17,249 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