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Translucent Canopy of Charred Wood and Glass in a Layered Residential Structure

Author:
Romeu Guimarães
Translucent Canopy of Charred Wood and Glass in a Layered Residential Structure

Project in-detail

The use of translucent curtains and charred wood creates a refined interplay of light and shadow in a layered residential structure designed for adaptive living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent curtains define spaces while allowing natural light to filter through.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced weather resistance and a distinct aesthetic.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels support structural integrity and sustainability.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial dynamics and visual appeal.
05
Outdoor courtyards seamlessly integrate with the interior, promoting biophilic connections.
The Layer Home is a residential architectural project that emphasizes the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces while promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. It employs a layered design approach, strategically organizing spaces to enhance functionality, light distribution, and privacy. The project is a response to contemporary needs for adaptable living environments that prioritize natural light and connection to nature.

Layered Design Concept

The design utilizes the concept of layering to create distinct zones within the home, facilitating various levels of privacy and interaction. This approach allows for a fluid flow between public and private spaces, enhancing both communal and intimate experiences. The spatial configuration includes living areas that encourage social interaction, private sections designed for rest and relaxation, and outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate with the architectural form.

Materials play a crucial role in the project. The use of wood throughout the structure contributes warmth and comfort, while large expanses of glass invite daylight and create visual links to the outdoors. Translucent curtains are an innovative feature that defines spaces within the home, addressing privacy concerns while allowing diffused light to enter. Concrete is utilized for its structural integrity, offering a modern aesthetic that complements the overall design.

Innovative Approaches to Natural Light

The project's approach to natural light is one of its standout features. It maximizes the use of windows and strategically placed openings to optimize daylight penetration throughout the day. This careful consideration of light positioning results in dynamic internal environments that shift with the sun's trajectory. Each layer of the home functions to modulate light, enhancing both visibility and atmospheric quality within the living spaces.

The incorporation of outdoor courtyards invites nature into the home, blurring the lines between interior and exterior environments. This integration fosters an ecological awareness, making the occupants feel more connected to their surroundings.

Functional and Aesthetic Considerations

The Layer Home also prioritizes functional design alongside aesthetics. The layout has been meticulously organized to support daily activities, ensuring that ease of movement is a fundamental aspect of the living space. Bedrooms are situated away from the social areas, and communal spaces are generously sized to accommodate gatherings.

Overall, the project's unique design techniques and focus on harmony between architecture and nature distinguish it from typical residential developments. By merging innovative material use with a thoughtful spatial arrangement, The Layer Home serves as a relevant case study in contemporary architecture.

For an in-depth understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and designs to fully appreciate the intricate details and architectural ideas that have shaped The Layer Home.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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