Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Breathing Structure of Polymer Fabric and Steel Cable Enveloping Reflective Memorial Spaces

Author:
Gavin Laughland
Breathing Structure of Polymer Fabric and Steel Cable Enveloping Reflective Memorial Spaces

Project in-detail

With a dynamic roof mechanism that mimics the rhythm of breathing, this reflective space constructed from steel cable and polymer fabric offers a serene environment for contemplation and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a mechanical diaphragm that simulates the natural rhythm of breathing.
02
A daisy rain garden is integrated into the design to promote ecological sustainability.
03
Self-supporting shell forms are constructed using net steel cable and polymer stretched fabric.
04
The interior includes columbarium niches made from durable granite for lasting tributes.
05
Light levels are dynamically adjusted through a kinetic roof to enhance the contemplative experience.
The architectural design project "Sigh Eternal" represents a thoughtful exploration of themes surrounding life, memory, and the human experience of loss. This project is situated in a serene landscape that encourages contemplation and introspection, facilitating a unique interaction between the built environment and natural surroundings. The design aims to provide a space that resonates with visitors on an emotional level, promoting a sense of peace and connection as they navigate through their experiences of grief and remembrance.

Functionally, "Sigh Eternal" serves as a sanctuary for reflection, offering spaces that can be utilized for personal meditation, communal gatherings, and remembrance ceremonies. The architectural layout incorporates pathways that guide visitors through various experiences, echoing the metaphorical journey of life itself. Through its careful arrangement of spaces, the project emphasizes the concept of continuity and the cyclical nature of existence, inviting individuals to engage deeply with their thoughts and emotions.

The design incorporates a variety of key elements that enhance its thematic intentions. One of the most significant features is the integration of landscape and architecture. Native vegetation surrounds the structure, complementing the built forms while promoting ecological sustainability. This careful selection of flora not only enriches the local ecosystem but also establishes a calming environment for visitors. The presence of a daisies-focused rain garden, constructed from mulch, amended soil, and sand, serves to filter rainwater while creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that resonate with purity and remembrance.

In terms of structural design, "Sigh Eternal" is characterized by its unique shell-like forms, which draw inspiration from natural shapes and create a sense of movement within the architecture. These self-supporting structures are made from net steel cable and polymer stretched fabric, which allows flexibility and a harmonious relationship with the surroundings. The incorporation of a mechanical diaphragm within the design further emphasizes the theme of breathing; this feature is engineered to mimic respiration through its rhythmic movements, creating an engaging and immersive experience for users.

Materiality also plays a vital role in the project, as the choice of materials supports both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the foundational element, providing durability and stability, while granite is utilized in the design of columbarium niches, offering permanence and a tactile connection to the ground. The use of permeable pavement supports water drainage and environmental stewardship, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, aluminum components are employed in the mechanical diaphragm, ensuring lightness and responsiveness in the overall structure.

The project invites visitor interaction through thoughtfully designed spaces that foster connection and reflection. By integrating seating arrangements and walkways that blend seamlessly with natural elements, the architecture creates an environment conducive to personal reflection and collective remembrance. The dynamic roof mechanism introduces changes in lighting that evoke the natural rhythms of breathing, enriching the sensory experience throughout the building.

Overall, "Sigh Eternal" offers a meaningful architectural response to the complexities of life, death, and memory. By focusing on human experiences and emotional engagement, the project stands as an example of how architecture can contribute to nurturing well-being and community connection. Those interested in detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are encouraged to explore the project further, as these elements provide deeper insights into the careful considerations that have shaped this contemplative space. The unique architectural ideas presented in "Sigh Eternal" underscore the potential of design to create spaces that are not just functional, but also deeply resonant with the human experience.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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