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Skylit Residence Embraces Light Sensitivity with Glass Walls

Authors:
梦溪 陈, 千寻 屠, 葆涵 蔡, 雨禾 潘
Skylit Residence Embraces Light Sensitivity with Glass Walls
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With carefully designed glass walls and strategically placed skylights, the residence offers a unique environment that prioritizes light sensitivity and natural engagement for its albino photographer occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for light-sensitive albino photographers, the residence minimizes direct sunlight exposure.
02
Small skylights and slanted glass walls maximize natural light while maintaining visual comfort.
03
A dynamic courtyard allows occupants to engage with tidal changes and reflections from the sea.
04
Tactile guidance elements facilitate navigation in low-light conditions for residents.
05
The layout offers clear orientation through light, enhancing the daily living experience.

The seaside residence designed for a couple of albino photographers addresses the specific needs and sensitivities of its inhabitants. Located in a picturesque coastal setting, the design aims to create a living space that minimizes direct light while still maximizing the benefits of natural illumination. The overall concept focuses on effective light management, spatial layout, and a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Light Management

The approach to light management involves the use of small skylights and slanted glass curtain walls. These elements allow for soft, diffused light to enter while avoiding the harshness of direct sun exposure. By reducing the number of traditional windows, the residence redefines how the occupants interact with their surroundings. This method not only protects the residents but also highlights the changing characteristics of light throughout the day.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the residence is carefully designed to enhance movement and orientation. In the morning, sunlight streams into the west corridor, guiding occupants from their bedrooms. As the day progresses, light shifts to illuminate the east corridor, directing people toward social areas such as the dining room. This organization of space fosters a natural flow and enhances the comfort of living in a home that responds to the rhythm of the day.

Connection to Nature

At the heart of the design is a courtyard that serves as a bridge between the indoors and the coastal setting. This outdoor space is designed to change with the tides, offering different views and experiences throughout the day. Water reflections play off the architectural forms, creating a thoughtful interaction of light and shadow that adds depth to daily life. The courtyard becomes a vital aspect of the residence, integrating it with the landscape.

Tactile Guidance

The residence incorporates tactile guidance to support the mobility of its light-sensitive residents. Careful attention to sensory elements helps the occupants navigate their home comfortably, even in low-light conditions. This design choice acknowledges the unique experiences of the residents, making the living environment both functional and considerate of their needs.

The interplay of natural light and carefully designed spaces draws attention to the reflections of the sea. The architectural design encourages an ongoing connection to nature, enriching the everyday experience of those who live within its walls.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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