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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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