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Maximizing Light with Movable Sunroom and Timber Elements in Compact Living

Author:
Guangzu Wang
Maximizing Light with Movable Sunroom and Timber Elements in Compact Living
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A movable sunroom enhances natural light in a compact 22-square-meter living space, incorporating sustainable timber to create a functional home for a young couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable sunroom increases natural light penetration.
02
Sustainable timber materials recycle existing resources.
03
Dual-use office area accommodates work and leisure.
04
Dedicated shoe cabinet optimizes storage in compact layout.
05
Improved daylight ratio enhances overall living environment.

TINY HOUSE - THE HOME OF SHADOWS is a renovation located on the ground floor of a residential building in the Haizhu district of Guangzhou, China. Covering 22 square meters, it serves as a reimagined living space for a young couple who faced challenges with poor natural light and a disorganized layout. The design focuses on improving illumination and ensuring the space is functional for modern living.

Natural Light Enhancement

The main goal of the design is to tackle the lack of indoor lighting that characterized the original space. A movable sunroom has been added to allow more sunlight to enter and to create extra usable area. This feature not only brightens the interior but also connects the living space with the outside in a more effective way.

Functional Zoning

The layout effectively divides the area into key functional zones, accommodating the daily needs of the residents. A bar counter serves as a coffee station, while an office area is designed for dual use—supporting both work and leisure. The bed's new position addresses existing comfort issues, and separating the kitchen from the living area helps to reduce cooking odors while enhancing overall comfort.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is an important factor in the project. Sustainable timber has been chosen, sourced from recycled materials, supporting a commitment to responsible design. This choice impacts not only the environment but also the overall feel of the interiors, adding warmth and character to the living space.

Spatial Efficiency

An analysis of daylight exposure shows an impressive increase in the daylight ratio from the original 20% to an anticipated 50%. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of the design changes, fostering a healthier living environment by maximizing natural light and enhancing the quality of the space.

A dedicated shoe cabinet integrates practical storage solutions while maintaining a clean and organized feel, illustrating the attention to detail that characterizes TINY HOUSE - THE HOME OF SHADOWS.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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