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Light Pillars and Natural Fabrics in a Tranquil Residential Space

Authors:
Young Jin Yang, Jin Hyun Kyoung
Light Pillars and Natural Fabrics in a Tranquil Residential Space
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With its light pillars that strategically illuminate private spaces and the use of turquoise linen and sky blue paper to enhance internal ambiance, the residence serves as a calming environment for both living and clinical functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light pillars enhance natural illumination in private areas.
02
Turquoise linen is used to create a vibrant interior atmosphere.
03
Sky blue Korean paper captures and reflects ambient light.
04
The design incorporates tactile screens for navigation in low light.
05
A dedicated circle garden integrates nature into the residential experience.

The Passage of Sense project highlights the connection between architecture and mental well-being for a psychiatrist couple in downtown Daejeon, South Korea. Located in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by mountains, the design supports both living and clinical functions. The use of natural light is a core aspect of the design, creating a space that promotes healing and comfort. The overall concept focuses on blending indoor and outdoor environments, offering a calm atmosphere conducive to relaxation and professional activities.

Architectural Concept and Experience

The design captures the essence of the garden by allowing its silhouettes to cast shadows inside the home, echoing a living oriental ink painting. This relationship between nature and the built environment adds depth to the space. It reflects the therapeutic intentions of the residents, offering a soothing backdrop for daily life. The architecture is crafted to evoke tranquility, offsetting the complexities of urban living.

Spatial Organization and Fluidity

The layout effectively separates private living spaces from clinical areas, with the first floor acting as the main connection point. This separation allows for smooth transitions between home life and professional practice. It considers the psychological needs of the residents, ensuring that both environments remain functional and supportive. The design offers flexibility, allowing various activities to take place throughout the day without feeling constrained.

Light Integration and Materiality

Light pillars serve an important function in the home, bringing natural light into private areas. These features create soft, indirect illumination in spaces like the master bedroom and bathroom, enhancing comfort for the occupants. The project employs turquoise linen and sky blue Korean paper to enrich the interior. These materials help to manage light and shadow, creating a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with traditional art. They contribute to a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the purpose of the residence.

Tactile Guidance and Navigation

The idea of a "passage of sense" introduces a unique way to move through the home. This element acts as both a shadow screen and a tactile guidance wall, helping residents navigate the space with ease, especially in low light. Constructed from linen curtains and Korean paper, these screens provide a sensory experience that deepens the connection with the environment. They encourage exploration and interaction, making the home feel alive and engaged with its occupants.

Natural light enters the dwelling through thoughtfully designed openings, illuminating the interior while highlighting the structure's character. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the calming presence of the home, offering a refuge that nurtures both personal and professional aspects of life.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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