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Charred Wood Forms and Steel Poles in a Reflective Memorial Space

Authors:
Michal lukasz Dabek, Jan Kuka
Charred Wood Forms and Steel Poles in a Reflective Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood forms and dynamic steel poles, the memorial evokes themes of loss and resilience, creating a contemplative space for reflection on the struggles of marginalized groups.
5 key facts about this project
01
Memorial is designed with non-static steel poles that enhance visitor interaction.
02
The form evokes the imagery of charred wood, symbolizing loss and suffering.
03
Located in a historic European city, the design reflects local social struggles.
04
The geometric arrangement creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
05
Space encourages contemplation and emotional engagement with historical narratives.

"Burnt Out Matches" serves as a memorial dedicated to oppressed and marginalized groups. It is positioned in a historic European city, aiming to integrate architectural design with the stories of social injustice. The project creates a thoughtful space for contemplation and remembrance, reflecting on the importance of historical struggles against prejudice.

Conceptual Framework

At its core, the memorial uses abstract geometric forms to express the experiences of individuals who have faced social injustice. This conceptual approach situates the design within a broader discussion of memory and loss. It seeks to honor those who have been affected by prejudice, allowing visitors to connect emotionally with their narratives.

Spatial Organization

The design is arranged for an open space, which enhances both accessibility and visibility. This choice encourages visitors to engage physically and emotionally with the memorial. The overall shape references charred wood, forging a distinct link to themes of loss and remembrance. This connection helps to create a powerful dialogue between the memorial and the historical context in which it exists.

Materiality and Structure

A key feature of the memorial is the arrangement of non-static steel poles. This material is chosen for both its visual impact and structural function. The poles create a dynamic interaction of light and shadow, which changes as visitors move around the site. This movement invites emotional responses tied to the resilience and struggles of marginalized individuals, deepening the overall experience of the memorial.

Design Details

The sculptural quality of the steel poles reinforces the memorial’s themes. Their careful arrangement invites reflection on past injustices. The design encourages visitors to not only remember but also to feel the weight of history. In this way, "Burnt Out Matches" offers a space where the stories of those lost to prejudice can resonate strongly, highlighting the significance of acknowledgment and remembrance.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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