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Natural Light-Focused Living Space Crafted with Expansive Glass and Concrete Elements

Authors:
Sungbeen Jung, Youn-kyoung Choi
Natural Light-Focused Living Space Crafted with Expansive Glass and Concrete Elements

Project in-detail

Characterized by its adept integration of passive solar design and expansive glass facades, the residence harnesses natural light while providing a comfortable retreat in Spain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and outdoor views.
02
Features a bent A-frame structure to enhance spatial dynamics and shading.
03
Integrates passive solar design to reduce energy consumption throughout the year.
04
Constructed with durable concrete, ensuring long-lasting stability in varying conditions.
05
Incorporates a strategic layout that promotes comfort during peak sunlight hours.

### Concept Overview
Located in a climate that supports the tradition of siesta, the Solar Eclipse project aims to harmonize architectural design with natural light cycles. Inspired by the interaction of celestial bodies during a solar eclipse, the design not only emphasizes energy efficiency but also prioritizes occupant comfort. The arrangement fosters environments conducive to relaxation during peak heat, thereby strengthening the relationship between architectural form and user experience.

### Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization is thoughtfully divided into interconnected compartments, each tailored for specific functions such as living, sleeping, and recreational activities. The layout is designed to optimize the benefits of sunlight at various times of the day. Direct sunlight is harnessed during morning and evening hours through strategic orientation, facilitating even light distribution across spaces. In contrast, shade is maximized during the midday period, promoting cooler indoor conditions ideal for rest and leisure. This adaptive approach reflects a nuanced understanding of how the built environment can enhance everyday experiences.

### Materiality
Material selection plays a crucial role in defining the project's aesthetic and functional characteristics. The primary structure utilizes concrete for its durability, while expansive glass panels are incorporated to enhance transparency and connect interior spaces with the outdoors. These glass elements allow for abundant natural light, further enriching the living experience. Textiles and soft furnishings are strategically placed to provide comfort and contribute to the overall ambiance, particularly in personal areas such as bedrooms and lounges. Natural stone accents are also integrated, offering warmth and elegance to select spaces, thereby enhancing the overall material palette.

### Design Details
The project exemplifies responsiveness to geographic and cultural contexts, utilizing local weather patterns to inform design decisions. This results in an environmentally conscious structure that promotes a healthier living space and encourages a strong connection with nature while maintaining necessary privacy. Through careful manipulation of light and space, the Solar Eclipse project becomes a model of contemporary architectural practice, illustrating a commitment to sustainability and human well-being. The incorporation of diverse materials enriches the design, ensuring a multifaceted experience for users within this thoughtfully crafted environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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