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Soft Shadows and Steel Frames in Tranquil Living Space

Authors:
András bátor Kondor, Gréta Kátai, Yente sára Zóka
Soft Shadows and Steel Frames in Tranquil Living Space

Project in-detail

The interplay of white concrete slabs and thin linen curtains creates a dynamic spatial experience filled with shifting shadows, offering a serene environment for residential living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The house utilizes a unique combination of white concrete and thin linen for dynamic thermal regulation.
02
Large steel columns create distinct shadow patterns, enhancing the interior spatial experience.
03
Natural light filters through the linen curtains, producing ever-changing shadow effects throughout the day.
04
The design seamlessly integrates the surrounding landscape, blurring boundaries between interior and exterior.
05
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame outdoor views, making nature a focal point in the living spaces.

CURTAIN HOUSE is an example of thoughtful design that balances solid and soft elements. Located in a tranquil setting, it serves as a residence, emphasizing a connection between inside and outside spaces. The design centers on contrasts, particularly in materials and the way light interacts with the structure. This creates an engaging environment that invites exploration.

Material Composition

The house features three main components: white concrete slabs, steel columns, and thin linen curtains. The white concrete slabs provide a strong base, giving the house stability while maintaining a gentle appearance. These slabs evoke a sense of durability. In contrast, the steel columns bring a rigid, structured look to the design. They support the structure and add a visual element that highlights the softness of the concrete.

Interplay of Light and Shadow

Light plays a crucial role in the experience of CURTAIN HOUSE. Ample daylight enters through the thin linen curtains, filtering the sunlight and casting soft shadows across the interior. These shadows change throughout the day, creating a sense of movement and life within the space. In contrast, the steel columns and furniture cast more defined shadows, adding depth and interest to the overall aesthetic.

Dynamic Spatial Experience

The combination of these materials and their interaction with light cultivates a unique spatial experience. The flowing shadows from the curtains mix with the more rigid forms of the columns and furniture, offering a varied atmosphere. The surrounding trees provide an ever-changing external backdrop, enhancing the relationship between the house and its environment.

This careful attention to detail shapes a living space that is inviting and functional. The daily changes in light and shadow create an evolving experience that draws occupants in. The design reflects a sensitivity to both material use and natural influences, culminating in a harmonious relationship between the house 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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