Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Uneven Clay Surfaces and Wooden Structure Create Serene Living Experience

Author:
Eri Shibata
Uneven Clay Surfaces and Wooden Structure Create Serene Living Experience

Project in-detail

The integration of uneven clay surfaces and a thoughtfully designed wooden structure creates a tranquil environment that enhances the experience of natural light in a residential retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
First residential design emphasizing uneven clay surfaces for tactile engagement.
02
Wooden structure enhances natural light flow throughout living spaces.
03
Spiral layout symbolizes personal growth and encourages exploration.
04
Meditation room designed with a light-filled floor for introspection.
05
Three-layer division highlights varying light conditions throughout the day.

"Spiral of Light" offers a fresh perspective on residential living, focusing on the importance of natural light. Located on the outskirts of urban areas, it provides a peaceful retreat from busy city life. The design encourages residents to connect with their surroundings, especially during the calm of moonlit nights. Its concept revolves around harmonizing daily living with a strong relationship to the environment.

Structural Organization

The design features a two-level structure that separates private and communal spaces clearly. The upper level contains bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a setting conducive to rest. On the lower level, the kitchen, living room, and dining areas support daily routines. This organization helps minimize movement at night, which can enhance sleep quality and contribute to a more restful home environment.

Spatial Flow

Inside, the layout adopts a spiral form that guides inhabitants smoothly through the quarters. This design choice serves not only aesthetic purposes but also symbolizes a journey of personal development. The act of moving up the spiral staircase reflects an experiential transition, encouraging reflection and mindfulness as one navigates through the home.

Natural Light Dynamics

Light and shadow play essential roles in shaping the living experience. The structure is divided into three levels that increase in brightness, which encourages an appreciation for the changing qualities of natural light. By experiencing different levels of illumination, residents can develop a deeper connection with their environment, noticing how light influences their daily activities.

Tactile Elements

The design includes uneven clay surfaces that create a more engaging and tactile environment. The outer wooden structure is crafted to enhance the flow of natural light into the interior, resulting in a thoughtful interplay of light and shadow. The inclusion of a meditation room with a light-filled floor offers a space specifically designed for contemplation and calm, highlighting the emphasis on mental well-being throughout the design.

Light remains a persistent element that shapes the daily lives of those within "Spiral of Light."

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy