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Buildner is proud to announce the results of the third annual Home of Shadows international architecture ideas competition, a challenge that explores how light and shadow—both in their literal and metaphorical forms—can shape and inspire architectural design. Participants were tasked with designing a fully functional home that relied solely on natural light, eliminating all artificial illumination. Free to choose any location or form, architects and designers were invited to consider how natural lighting can serve as both a practical and emotional driver in shaping domestic spaces.
This year’s competition drew submissions from across the globe, each offering imaginative interpretations of how homes can be brought to life through the interplay of light and shadow. The jury—composed of distinguished professionals including Studio Bark's Sarah Broadstock, Trahan Architects' Sandra Baggerman, architectural copywriter Nikita Morell, educator Blake T. Smith, and Sher Maker founders Patcharada Inplang and Thongchai Chansamak—sought out projects that not only embraced the challenge but also elevated natural light into a language of architecture. The winning designs skillfully demonstrated how space, time, and atmosphere can be shaped by thoughtful design decisions, emphasizing the poetic and functional qualities of sunlight and shadow.
The 1st Prize and Student Award went to Vessel of Light by Yujie Weng and Jiangyiwen Zhang from New Zealand. Set into the slope beside Lake Tekapo, the design features a curved roof that follows the sun’s path and internal courtyards that fill the subterranean home with light. The 2nd Prize was awarded to Qianzhi Shao from China for Aperture, a circular residence with rotating walls that rhythmically control light and privacy. The 3rd Prize was claimed by Anna Agnieszka Jaruga-Rozdolska from Poland, while the Sustainability Award went to Emily Mei Ta and Adrian Kevin Wong from the United States for Dappled Sun House, a Malaysian retreat that fuses local materials, passive ventilation, and light-sensitive design to blur the line between indoors and out.
Buildner congratulates all the winners and participants for their thoughtful and inspiring contributions.
1st and Student prize
2nd prize
3rd prize
Sustainability Award
