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Natural Light and Concrete Harmony in a Circular Residential Shelter

Authors:
Matilde De Ornelas Fernandes, Francisca Sarrico Vieira Teixeira Carneiro
Natural Light and Concrete Harmony in a Circular Residential Shelter

Project in-detail

A circular form crafted from reinforced concrete and expansive glazing integrates natural light and landscape into a serene residential shelter designed for communal and private living experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout promotes fluid interaction while ensuring privacy.
02
Large glazing panels optimize natural light and view connections to the landscape.
03
Reflecting pool enhances sensory experience and creates a meditative space.
04
Reinforced concrete structure provides durability while allowing organic forms.
05
Integration with local flora respects the cultural context of Madiera Island.

### Project Overview

Located in the scenic landscape of Madiera Island, Portugal, the Luminescent Shelter emphasizes the relationship between natural light and architectural form. The design seeks to enhance the aesthetic and emotional qualities of space through a thoughtful interplay of light and shadow, reflecting the principles espoused by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki regarding the beauty derived from these elements.

### Spatial Configuration

The floor plan adopts a circular configuration that facilitates fluid movement and communal living. While encouraging interaction among occupants, the layout also provides private zones for solitude. Various openings within the structure are strategically placed to optimize natural light while maintaining visual privacy. This arrangement allows for dynamic shifts in light throughout the day, creating diverse experiences within the interior spaces.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Reinforced concrete serves as the primary material, offering durability and flexibility in achieving organic forms. Large glazing panels augment the penetration of natural light, contributing to the creation of varied light patterns. Wooden accents are incorporated in the interior finishes to introduce warmth to the concrete structure. The design also includes a reflecting pool that serves as a meditative element, enhancing aesthetic appeal while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. This integration of materials supports sustainability by leveraging natural light to reduce energy consumption and aligns with regional architectural practices that respect the unique characteristics of the local environment.

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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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