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Tactile Elements and Contrast Highlighting in a Home for Visual Independence

Authors:
Kseniia Veselova, Tatiana Kargina
Tactile Elements and Contrast Highlighting in a Home for Visual Independence

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular design and contrast highlighting techniques, the home creates a tactile environment that supports independent living for visually impaired individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Contrast highlighting enhances orientation by visually distinguishing key elements throughout the home.
02
A modular spatial grid simplifies navigation and allows for adaptable living arrangements.
03
Furniture is secured in place to foster stability and predictability in the environment.
04
Walking paths feature varied textures to reinforce tactile differentiation for users.
05
Dedicated storage solutions are customizable to meet individual needs and preferences.

The project known as "Home for the Blind" prioritizes creating a supportive living environment for visually impaired individuals. Located in a carefully considered setting, the design emphasizes safety and ease of navigation. The main idea is to foster independence by reducing obstacles, enabling residents to adapt to their surroundings with minimal effort.

Design Concept

Linear travel paths form the foundation of the layout, avoiding curves and angles. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows residents to move through their home without hesitations or unexpected turns. The arrangement includes open spaces defined by straightforward rectangular shapes, which incorporate built-in furniture. This approach not only maximizes functionality but also contributes to a sense of calm throughout the interior.

Spatial Organization

Contrast plays a significant role in helping residents identify important elements within the space. Key features like furniture, entrances, and sockets are designed to stand out through different colors or textures. This visual differentiation supports orientation and helps individuals navigate their environment with greater confidence. The layout nurtures familiarity, which is vital for promoting independence.

Modularity and Tactility

A modular design approach utilizes a grid system measured in 300 mm increments. This method makes it easier for residents to orient themselves and adapt the space to their needs. The home also emphasizes tactile experiences, as walking paths and surface materials are chosen based on each room's function. This attention to touch enhances sensory engagement, helping individuals relate to their environment.

Stability and Storage

Stability is a key feature in this design, with a fixation system used to secure furniture in designated spots. This system keeps the layout consistent, allowing residents to form reliable mental maps of their surroundings. Additionally, a modular storage solution offers customizable organization tailored to different preferences. This aspect supports efficiency and helps maintain an orderly living environment.

Details like varied textures and easy navigation create an atmosphere conducive to independence. The design ensures that residents can confidently move through their home, whether they are fetching an item from storage or simply enjoying a moment of stillness.

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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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