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Celebrating Natural Elements Through Granite, Zinc, and Thoughtful Niches in Remembrance Spaces

Authors:
Jamin Seo, Guen-il Huh
Celebrating Natural Elements Through Granite, Zinc, and Thoughtful Niches in Remembrance Spaces

Project in-detail

With its thoughtfully integrated niches and the harmonious use of granite and zinc, this architectural space invites visitors to reflect and remember in a serene setting designed for communal gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates 192 niches specifically for personal tributes, allowing visitors to engage in meaningful remembrance.
02
Each Wind House features a layout that maximizes natural airflow, enhancing comfort and promoting a connection with the environment.
03
Construction employs locally sourced granite and zinc, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental sensitivity.
04
The central Wind Hill serves as both a gathering place and a gentle reminder of the landscape's natural slopes, harmonizing with its surroundings.
05
Openings and windows are strategically positioned to frame views of the landscape, creating a dialogue between inside spaces and the natural world.
The "House of Winds" introduces a thoughtful exploration of architecture that intertwines elements of nature, memory, and human interaction. Situated within a landscape of gentle hills, this project emphasizes the relationship between built form and the natural environment, serving a dual purpose as both a reflective space and a communal gathering point. The design invites occupants to engage deeply with their surroundings while offering a serene backdrop for contemplation and remembrance.

At its core, the project represents an architectural manifestation of experience and memory. The central theme revolves around the movement of wind—a natural force that symbolizes connection and continuity. This connection fosters an intimate bond between inhabitants and their personal histories, as well as with the community at large. By combining these aspects, the "House of Winds" gives shape to emotional experiences, transforming them into an architectural dialogue that enhances the user's engagement with both the space and memories of loved ones.

The functional dynamics of the "House of Winds" are rooted in its innovative layout and design. The project consists of multiple structures, primarily featuring the "Wind Houses" and the central "Wind Hill." These Wind Houses are thoughtfully oriented to maximize airflow, allowing the breeze to flow through each space. This design not only creates an inviting atmosphere but also serves a practical purpose of cooling and ventilating the interiors. The layout encourages exploration, with paths weaving through the landscape, facilitating interaction and movement between these distinct yet interconnected spaces.

A notable feature of the "Wind Houses" is the inclusion of 192 niches, which provides an opportunity for occupants to commemorate their loved ones. This aspect is both functional and symbolic, as it invites personal engagement with the architecture. Visitors can place mementos, flowers, or letters in these niches, thus integrating personal memories into the fabric of the structure. This poetic approach highlights the notion that architecture can be a vessel for storytelling and emotional exchange, transforming the act of remembrance into a communal experience.

Further emphasizing the project's harmonious relationship with nature, the architectural designs reflect careful attention to materiality. The structures primarily utilize weather-resistant zinc roof panels and warm plywood for internal finishes, creating a balance between durability and comfort. The choice of granite stone flooring grounds the interior spaces, promoting a tactile connection to the earth. Additionally, the concrete foundation provides structural stability, underpinning the overall design without overpowering its aesthetic sensibility.

The harmonious integration of these materials enhances the architectural narrative, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a respect for the surrounding ecosystem. The approach taken in the design allows for open dialogue between the interior and the natural surroundings, with strategically placed windows framing picturesque views of the landscape. This deliberate juxtaposition encourages occupants to appreciate their environment while experiencing varying sensory stimuli.

Uniquely, the "House of Winds" transforms the interaction between humans and their environment into an architectural experience. The design serves not only as a functional space but also as a poignant commentary on human connection, loss, and remembrance. Through its innovative architectural ideas and thoughtful design elements, it establishes a setting where nature and humanity coalesce.

For those interested in delving deeper into the project's nuances and architectural intricacies, it is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design elements presented. By engaging with these details, readers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the "House of Winds" eloquently illustrates the intersection of architecture and emotional experience.
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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
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