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Shadows and Textures of White Concrete and Steel in a Modern Home

Authors:
András bátor Kondor, Gréta Kátai, Yente sára Zóka
Shadows and Textures of White Concrete and Steel in a Modern Home

Project in-detail

The interplay of flowing linen curtains and the solid presence of white concrete creates a dynamic spatial experience, uniquely defining this home as a serene refuge that balances nature and built form.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design emphasizes the contrast between hard shadows of steel columns and soft shadows created by linen curtains.
02
Linen curtains serve as both functional privacy screens and dynamic architectural elements influenced by outdoor light.
03
Natural surroundings integrate with the interior through the careful positioning of windows and openness.
04
Solid white concrete slabs provide a tactile softness uncommon in typical concrete applications.
05
The home's layout promotes a fluid experience, leading to an evolving relationship with light throughout the day.

The Curtain House is located in a setting that encourages a close interaction between the building and its surroundings. Designed to provide a unique experience, the house focuses on the balance of light and shadow. The overall concept integrates different elements to create spaces that feel warm and inviting, while also maintaining a sense of strength and structure.

Materials

Working with white concrete slabs, the foundation offers both stability and a gentle touch. This material acts as a backdrop that responds beautifully to light, making the building feel light despite its solid construction. The concrete welcomes engagement from its users, providing a reliable base for the design.



Structural Elements

Steel columns introduce a more rigid aspect to the project. They provide necessary support while also creating a visual contrast with the softer concrete. The shadows formed by these columns define the spaces inside. This creates a clear separation while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression.



Dynamic Features

Linen curtains add a lively quality to the space. They help to manage light and create privacy, but they also move with the air, giving the interior a sense of life. The curtains interact dynamically with the surrounding elements. Their gentle movement provides a refreshing contrast to the strong lines of the concrete and steel.



Interaction with Context

The relationship between the house and its environment is crucial to its design. Shadows from nearby trees play across the surfaces, enhancing the experience of being inside. This connection with nature makes the interior feel integrated with the outside world, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those who enter.



As light filters through the curtains, it casts intricate patterns on the walls, enriching the spaces and connecting the occupants to the changing qualities of the day. This thoughtful design encourages a deeper appreciation of both the structure and its surroundings.

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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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