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Timber Skeleton Embracing Light in a Nature-Focused Retreat

Authors:
Alex Ward, Crystal Nguyen, Linzhen Chew, Nayely Furntes
Timber Skeleton Embracing Light in a Nature-Focused Retreat
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An open-air courtyard and sliding panels create a dynamic interplay of light within a sustainable timber framework, providing a comfortable retreat that encourages a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
An open-air courtyard centralizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
Sliding panels allow for adaptable privacy and sunlight control.
03
Constructed with an eco-friendly timber skeleton for sustainability.
04
A blend of indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the living experience.
05
The design prioritizes a strong connection with the surrounding nature.

The Shadow House is located on the island of Kungshatt, Sweden. It serves as a retreat for a couple looking to step away from city life and enjoy nature. The design emphasizes the relationship between light and space, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and flexible.

Light Filtration and Space Adaptability

The design focuses on managing light and allowing spaces to adapt to different needs. The house includes features that help optimize natural light. This approach means that sunlight fills various areas throughout the day. As a result, this enhances the living environment and offers options for adjusting light levels depending on what the occupants prefer.

Open-Air Courtyard

A key feature of The Shadow House is the open-air courtyard, which acts as a major source of natural light. This area encourages a connection between the inside and outside of the home. The courtyard brings light into living spaces while offering views of the surrounding nature. This design choice fosters an inviting atmosphere for the occupants.

Dynamic Sliding Panels

The sliding panels add versatility to the house. These panels serve as moveable barriers that help control sunlight and provide privacy when needed. Occupants can easily adjust them throughout the day, adapting spaces based on their requirements. This design element allows for a more personalized interaction with the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Timber Framework

The structure of the house consists of an eco-friendly timber skeleton. This choice aligns with a commitment to sustainability. The timber adds a warm feeling to the interior living spaces and acts as a boundary, separating the inside from the outdoors. It facilitates light filtration while maintaining comfort and a pleasing aesthetic.

Attention to detail is evident in how the sliding panels and courtyard work together. They create a balance of light and privacy, allowing the occupants to enjoy their living environment fully.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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