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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
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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
The colonnade serves as the home's primary clock.
02
Shadows shift throughout the day, enhancing visual experience.
03
Two courtyards balance privacy and outdoor interaction.
04
Natural light is integrated to enrich spatial experience.
05
Curtain walls create depth and visual connections indoors.

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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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