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Natural Light and Fiber Concrete in an Artistic Home Experience

Authors:
Xin Zhao, Zhe Chen, QINGYU LIU, Zemao Liu
Natural Light and Fiber Concrete in an Artistic Home Experience

Project in-detail

The interplay of fiber concrete and natural light creates a dynamic living space in Shenzhen that serves as a creative sanctuary for a photographer and a horticulturist.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual studios allow for personalized workspaces that foster artistic collaboration.
02
Fiber concrete walls enhance light diffusion while creating subtle shadow effects.
03
Rooftop integration offers additional green space for horticultural activities.
04
Strategic layout minimizes sound transfer between private and communal areas.
05
The design incorporates natural lighting to adapt residents' daily routines.

Set in a subtropical region of Shenzhen, the design responds to challenges posed by excessive natural light and dense urban settings. It serves as a home for a photographer and a horticulturist, mirroring their artistic lives. The concept harmonizes communal and private spaces while emphasizing the relationship between light and shadow, creating an environment that supports both creativity and personal comfort.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws inspiration from Dafen Village, known for its artistic community. It reflects the cultural identity of the area, focusing on individual needs and connections among residents. A rooftop space enhances functionality, allowing occupants to interact with their surroundings while enjoying the open sky. This design approach fosters creativity and a sense of belonging.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout distinguishes between private and communal areas. Private zones are carefully arranged to meet the distinct needs of the inhabitants, minimizing disturbances. This thoughtful division provides spaces for both personal reflection and collaboration. By balancing solitude and interaction, the design contributes to a well-rounded living experience for its occupants.

Light Dynamics

Natural light and shadows are integral to the overall design. Walls made of fiber concrete allow light to enter, creating a special interaction between brightness and shadow. This material choice enhances the appearance of the spaces and facilitates visual connections between the residents' studios. The movement of light through the day draws the occupants into a shared experience without physical barriers.

Transformative Experience

The changing sunlight influences how the environment feels throughout the day. As the sun moves, so do the shadows, affecting how spaces are perceived and used. This responsive nature enriches daily life, making the living environment adaptable. The way in which light interacts with the architecture serves to deepen the daily experiences of its residents, highlighting the importance of a harmonious relationship between the interior and the external world.

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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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