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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
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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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