In Praise Of Light

In praise of light is a design for a competition for a small home that only relies on natural light and has no artificial light sources. A home at the edge of a tropical forest where light penetrates layers of fog.  The plot is surrounded by trees and bushes that cast shadows on the structure. This design explores how natural light can be manipulated through geometry and a series of openings, perforations, reflections and translucencies of different materials.

The geometry of the roof is reminiscent of curtains opening up to reveal living spaces inside. Curves help the light penetrate deeper and travel on their surface with every passing hour. Glass partitions, “carrying” the overhead structure on light, add to the floating illusion throughout the composition.  

An open plan approach ensures flexibility and fluidity of movement with uses placed on a linear axis, further exaggerated by the swimming pool on the south. Privacy, where needed, is rarely achieved by the rigidness of walls. Instead, it is created by the translucency of fabric or the coverage of green leaves.

Most communal spaces, including the kitchen, dining and living area are placed at the centre of the home, past the main entrance, facing the openness of a courtyard, whereas, quiet spaces, such as the reading area, bedroom and bathroom, are located on the edges, taking advantage of unobstracted views and warm light on the south or the protection of greenery on the north. Boundaries between indoor and outdoor are obscured by the use of wooden framed glazing opening up to extend activities of daily living towards the exterior.

Finally, on the east side, a courtyard is defined by an aqueduct-like structure, carrying rainwater from the roof to a pond, creating a soft boundary as well as a frame to the greenery. The pond, is situated directly next to the communal living spaces, allowing water to reflect light in the house and extending it into the outdoor. The glazed surface facing the courtyard carries perforated wooden panels at the top, which, filter the light, turning it into patterns on the curved roof, that travel along it, changing as the sun moves across the sky.