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Translucent Glass Walls Enhancing Natural Light and Shadow Dynamics in a Residential Space

Authors:
Hyunjun Kim, Jihyung Kim
Translucent Glass Walls Enhancing Natural Light and Shadow Dynamics in a Residential Space

Project in-detail

Translucent glass walls create a unique interplay of light and shadow, transforming a residential space into a dynamic environment that responds to the sun’s movement throughout the day.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass walls allow natural light to flood the interior while maintaining occupant privacy.
02
Elevated ceilings enhance the play of light and create varying shadow patterns throughout the day.
03
The layout consists of three distinct functional spaces, promoting fluidity and interaction.
04
Unique wall patterns combine curves and straight lines, enriching visual dynamics within the interior.
05
Strategically oriented to maximize sunlight from morning to evening, influencing the ambiance throughout the home.

"The Shadow Filter" is located on Jeju Island and is designed to interact with sunlight throughout the day. It features four walls enclosing three distinct spaces, each serving specific functions. The concept focuses on the relationship between light and shadow, creating an interior that changes as the sun moves. This thoughtful design influences how users experience the space and connects them to the natural environment surrounding the house.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout includes a central living area that functions as the heart of everyday activities. Two additional masses flank this space, establishing a clear organization to the design. The height of the ceilings is increased to enhance natural light within the rooms. This elevation allows different shadows to form, resulting in varied atmospheres throughout the day as light filters through the spaces.

Engagement with Natural Light

The design considers how light interacts with the building. The walls are oriented to maximize sunlight exposure. Morning light enters from the east, bathing the area in warmth, while afternoon light streams in from the west. This variety of light creates different experiences in each room, making everyday activities feel different depending on the time spent there.

Transparency and Material Choice

Translucent glass forms part of the exterior, creating a link between the inside and outside environments. This material allows daylight to fill the interiors but still offers privacy for those within. The choice of glass reinforces the project’s theme, ensuring that occupants feel both connected to the landscape and protected from outside views.

Patterns and Visual Dynamics

The walls incorporate patterns that combine curves and straight lines. These designs enhance the play of light and shadow, adding depth to the interior atmosphere. As the sun fades and twilight approaches, shadows stretch and shift, enriching the experience of the spaces. This careful attention to detail allows residents to engage with light in a way that reflects the natural rhythms of the day.

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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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