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Silhouette Curtains and Biophilic Elements Enhance Transparency in Residential Living

Authors:
Ilrang Hwang, Juho Han, Nahyun Shin, Jeongmin Ju
Silhouette Curtains and Biophilic Elements Enhance Transparency in Residential Living

Project in-detail

With silhouette curtains that define personal space while allowing for natural light and integrated biophilic elements, this residence reimagines communal living through a unique blend of transparency and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Silhouette curtains provide adjustable privacy while maintaining visibility in shared spaces.
02
Biophilic design integrates indoor greenery, enhancing well-being and air quality.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural stability while promoting sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame design creates a dynamic roofline that encourages natural light penetration.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to a unique aesthetic while improving weather resistance.
The project at hand is an architectural design that thoughtfully balances the interplay between personal privacy and communal interaction within a residential setting. The concept centers around the metaphor of silhouettes, reflecting the idea of individual boundaries and shared spaces, creating an environment that promotes both personal comfort and social cohesion. This residential design serves as a prototype for how architectural layouts can positively influence relationships among inhabitants by fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Functionally, the project is designed as a private residence that integrates various living spaces, including communal zones and personal retreats. The open layout enables a seamless flow of movement and interaction while simultaneously allowing for moments of solitude. This duality is essential in contemporary living, where individuals seek both community and personal space. The architecture intuitively responds to these needs, ensuring that occupants can navigate their daily lives with ease and comfort.

A key feature of the design is the innovative use of translucent materials, notably glass, which forms a significant part of the façade and interior divisions. This choice fosters an abundance of natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere while emphasizing transparency and connection. This materiality enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and encourages a dialogue between the interior and the exterior, bringing nature into the living environment.

The incorporation of wooden elements adds warmth to the overall design, contrasting with the sleekness of glass and concrete. Wooden floors and structural components provide a tactile experience that enhances comfort and visual variety. Concrete, utilized for structural integrity, reinforces a sense of permanence and durability within the design. Together, these materials create a cohesive narrative that binds the various elements of the project, demonstrating a careful consideration of texture and aesthetics.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the layout, particularly through the strategic implementation of silhouette curtains—an innovative feature designed to delineate personal spaces without compromising the sense of openness. These curtains allow residents to customize their environment according to their needs, providing a sense of autonomy while maintaining a visual connection to the communal areas. This flexibility is pivotal in accommodating the diverse dynamics that exist within a household, enabling residents to negotiate their boundaries with minimal disruption.

The design also emphasizes biophilic elements, integrating greenery into the residential experience. Indoor plants and green areas not only serve aesthetic purposes but also contribute to the occupants' well-being. Incorporating nature into the living space enhances the air quality and offers visual relief, fostering a serene environment conducive to relaxation and reflection.

Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the architecture. The spatial arrangement encourages movement, facilitating easy navigation from one area to another while promoting interactions among residents. Each space is carefully considered to support various activities, from communal gatherings to solitary reflection, ensuring that the architectural design caters to diverse lifestyles.

In summary, this architectural project presents a nuanced approach to residential design, integrating personal and communal considerations through innovative materiality and flexible spatial arrangements. By focusing on the fundamental aspects of interpersonal relationships, the design offers a meaningful response to contemporary living challenges. For those interested in further exploring this residential project, examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas will provide deeper insights into the full scope and intricacies of this thoughtful endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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