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Rhythmic Shadows in a Limestone Retreat for Intimate Living

Authors:
Ji hyun Kim, bohyun kim
Rhythmic Shadows in a Limestone Retreat for Intimate Living

Project in-detail

Set against the backdrop of Bibury's limestone landscape, this residence integrates rhythmic shadow patterns and natural light to create intimate spaces designed for personal reflection and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone construction reflects local architectural heritage.
02
Intimate living spaces are designed to enhance personal reflection.
03
The layout creates dynamic interplay between light and shadow.
04
Natural sunlight illuminates gardens featuring sunflower fields.
05
A small courtyard fosters a strong connection to the outdoors.

"The Four Shades of Grey," designed for Mr. Christian Grey and Miss Anastasia Steele, is located in the village of Bibury, London. This residence emphasizes the relationship between light and shadow while providing a comforting retreat for its occupants. The overall design aims to blend naturally with the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere conducive to both relaxation and connection.

Design Concept

The design explores how light interacts with space and emotional experience. Shadows are treated as important elements, representing deeper aspects of human nature. This approach informs the layout of the home and how its spaces function together. The intention is for individuals in the house to engage with their feelings and the environment around them.

Spatial Arrangement

The residence contains several distinct areas for different activities. The kitchen serves as a gathering place for cooking and socializing. It is designed to make use of natural light throughout the day, inviting people to spend time there. The living room acts as a multifunctional space for leisure and entertainment. It is filled with light during the day and provides a cozy atmosphere for music in the evenings when darkness falls.

Interior Elements

A bedroom and bathroom offer necessary privacy, allowing for personal moments of rest and reflection. These spaces help to create a sense of calm and well-being, aligning with the overall design goal of a serene environment. The arrangement of the interior fosters intimate experiences, allowing individuals to connect with themselves and each other.

Connection to Nature

A small courtyard connects indoor living with the outdoor landscape. This feature allows people to step outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Bibury. By incorporating elements of nature, the design enhances the living experience. It encourages residents to engage with their surroundings while enjoying the comfort of their home.

The design invites moments of calm. Soft textures and gentle light help create an environment where occupants feel at peace and are encouraged to connect with nature and each other.

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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
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