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Silhouetted Boundaries and Layered Spaces in Contemporary Living

Authors:
Ilrang Hwang, Juho Han, Nahyun Shin, Jeongmin Ju
Silhouetted Boundaries and Layered Spaces in Contemporary Living

Project in-detail

Silhouettes create defined boundaries while layered spaces foster personal interaction in a contemporary living environment designed for couples.
5 key facts about this project
01
Silhouettes are strategically used to define personal boundaries within shared spaces.
02
Layered spatial organization promotes individual hobbies alongside communal activities.
03
The design incorporates separate entrances for each partner to enhance privacy.
04
Key living areas are intentionally designed to support relationship dynamics.
05
Natural light is maximized to create an inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

The design focuses on the relationship dynamics between couples, exploring how spaces can be arranged to support both independence and togetherness. Located in a contemporary residential area, the design highlights the significance of personal spaces while promoting connection through intelligent planning. By incorporating psychological insights, the approach encourages a deeper understanding of how built environments can affect daily interactions.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea that individuals in a relationship have distinct needs. The layout carefully separates areas for privacy and shared experiences. With well-defined spaces such as the entrance, kitchen, and bedroom, partners can navigate their lives together while still having room to breathe. This thoughtful arrangement aims to balance solitude and companionship.

Silhouettes as Emotional Boundaries

One innovative aspect of the design is the use of silhouettes, which help define personal boundaries within a shared environment. By allowing each partner to control how much they reveal to the other, the silhouettes create an atmosphere of respect that is vital for relationship well-being. This idea aligns with findings from research on couple therapy, which stresses that healthy partnerships thrive on mutual understanding and care.

Layered Spatial Organization

The layout employs layers to foster different levels of interaction between partners, blending personal activities with shared moments. Each layer is designed to accommodate individual hobbies and professional commitments, allowing space for both personal interests and shared life. This careful arrangement not only aids daily tasks but also supports the balance needed in modern relationships.

Relationship Dynamics in Domestic Spaces

The design serves as a response to contemporary challenges that couples face in understanding and accepting each other. The layout, complemented by the concept of silhouettes, effectively merges practical living with psychological insights. Notable details include the strategic placement of separations in communal spaces, encouraging openness while also allowing for individual reflection. This attention to detail enhances the overall living experience and fosters a deeper connection between partners.

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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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