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Temporal Living with Cast-in-Place Concrete and Guiding Shadows

Author:
Sidney Marques iii
Temporal Living with Cast-in-Place Concrete and Guiding Shadows

Project in-detail

Constructed with cast-in-place concrete, the colonnade shapes both space and time within the home, utilizing shadows to guide inhabitants through their daily routines while also promoting a connection to the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colonnade functions as a primary clock, marking the passage of time through dynamic shadows.
02
Two courtyards separate living spaces while enhancing outdoor interaction.
03
Design optimizes natural light to encourage user movement throughout the day.
04
Curtain walls create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Project utilizes cast-in-place concrete for structural integrity and unique aesthetic.

The design is set in the Southwestern region of the United States and aims to create a living space that fosters a deeper connection between individuals and their surroundings. By focusing on light and shadow, the home incorporates natural elements to guide occupants through their daily activities. The colonnade plays a central role in the design, serving as a clock that influences both the flow of space and the experiences within it.

Colonnade as Temporal Marker

The colonnade is a key feature, functioning as the house's primary clock. Shadows cast by this structure change throughout the day, offering a unique visual experience. It encourages inhabitants to engage with the rhythm of nature, fostering an awareness of time and the environment around them.

Courtyards for Isolation and Interaction

The layout includes two courtyards, which help to create separate areas within the home while encouraging outdoor interaction. These spaces provide a balance of privacy and openness. They serve as quiet retreats, allowing for moments of reflection while still connecting users to nature. This duality enhances the overall living experience.

Responsive Design to Natural Light

Light is thoughtfully integrated into the design to enhance the spatial experience. The home is oriented to capture daylight effectively, allowing it to shift throughout the day. This dynamic relationship with natural light encourages users to move through the space differently as the conditions change, enriching their daily routines.

Integration of Curtain Walls

Curtain walls are an important aspect, allowing shadows to spill into the interior spaces. This design choice creates visual connections between inside and outside. The walls bring in natural light while also creating depth in the living areas. As a result, inhabitants can feel the presence of the exterior environment as they navigate through their home.

The design ultimately fosters a strong connection with the surrounding landscape, where the balance of light and shadow actively shapes daily life within the spaces.

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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

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