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Louvered Wooden Screens and Arched Design Elements in Tropical Beach Retreat

Authors:
Giselle pei yee Goh, Varshini Gopal
Louvered Wooden Screens and Arched Design Elements in Tropical Beach Retreat

Project in-detail

With its louvered wooden screens and arched design elements, the retreat offers a harmonious blend of sustainability and comfort, seamlessly integrating with the tropical landscape while serving as a tranquil getaway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Arched roofing design enhances natural light and air circulation.
02
Movable wooden screens provide flexible privacy and environmental control.
03
Corridor integration creates a journey through the landscape.
04
Private areas feature arched windows inspired by iconic architecture.
05
Use of earthy materials fosters a strong connection with nature.

The Home of Shadows is located at Kilat Beach, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Designed as a retreat, it brings together comfort and the beauty of nature. The residence serves as a getaway for a couple focused on sustainable living, embodying a connection to the vibrant landscape that surrounds it.

Design Concept

The design is inspired by traditional architecture, featuring arched roofing that flows into a modern, curved shape. This concept allows light and shadow to dance across the interior spaces, creating varied atmospheres throughout the day. The home’s orientation takes advantage of natural light, enhancing the living experience while deepening the connection to the outdoors.

Facade and Access

A key element of the home is its movable louvered wooden screen facade. This feature offers both privacy and environmental control, allowing residents to adjust their level of exposure to the elements and views. The facade adds a distinct character to the building and provides multiple entry points. A corridor wraps around the house, promoting exploration and engagement with the landscape.

Spatial Configuration

The layout emphasizes fluidity and openness, supporting a smooth transition between communal and private areas. This arrangement ensures that light fills different spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Arched windows in the private sections are reminiscent of works by Le Corbusier. They allow natural light to stream in while maintaining a sense of privacy.

Material Choices

Materials used throughout the design play an important role in shaping the home’s character. Earthy materials and wooden screens enhance the residence’s relationship with its environment. These material choices contribute to the overall durability of the building, ensuring it withstands the coastal climate while fostering an intimate connection with the surroundings.

The thoughtful blend of light, space, and materials results in a living environment that is both comfortable and responsive to nature. The design reflects both modern sensibilities and a deep respect for the landscape.

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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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