Light is one of the most important factors when designing homes, and the use of natural light is vital in creating a space that feels both comfortable, inviting and practical. It could be said that lighting is a form of language that architects can use to communicate emotions in the spaces and structures they design.
As such, shadow plays as much a role in influencing the feel of a space as light. The harmony between light and shadow allows architects and designers to create spaces with depth and texture, creating different moods for different purposes. In many cases, it could come down to the simple placement of a single window or door.
For the Home of Shadows #4 competition, participants are asked to design a home for a hypothetical couple with just one rule – there can be no artificial light within the home. The jury will be looking for designs that study how natural light can influence and shape architectural decisions.
Participants may select any theoretical site for their Home of Shadows and propose a design solution for the fully functional building.
Prizes
Prize fund 10,000 €
1ST PLACE 5,000 €
2ND PLACE 2,500 €
3RD PLACE 1,000 €
Buildner Student Award 1,000 €
Buildner Sustainability Award 500 €
6 Honourable mentions & certificates
Key dates
Closing date for registration 2 March 2026
Closing date for project submission 13 April 2026
Announcement of the winners 16 June 2026
Competition Q&A deadline 9 March 2026
Registration fees
EARLY BIRD 04 Sep – 05 Nov | 70-110 €
ADVANCED 06 Nov – 14 Jan | 80-120 €
LAST MINUTE 15 Jan – 02 Mar | 100-140 €
