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Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Facades Creating a Reflection of Unity in a Commemorative Memorial

Authors:
Colin Chan, Jermaine Santos Bunoan, Sherlin Lin
Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Facades Creating a Reflection of Unity in a Commemorative Memorial

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and a steel facade intertwine to create a reflective space that honors the historical unity of the Baltic States while serving as a multifunctional memorial for public engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A sloped ramp ensures complete accessibility for all visitors.
04
Native plant landscaping creates a connection to local ecology.
05
Interactive exhibition spaces facilitate ongoing community education and engagement.

## Project Overview

The Baltic Way Memorial is located in the Baltic States, serving to commemorate a pivotal historical event in 1989 when millions gathered to peacefully protest against Soviet occupation. The design embodies themes of unity and resilience, providing a physical manifestation of the collective struggle for independence. This project aims to create a space that highlights the significance of human connection and collective action in the journey toward freedom while facilitating contemporary civic activities.

### Spatial and Functional Design

The memorial is structured to promote interaction and reflection among visitors, emphasizing its role as both a commemorative site and a multifunctional civic space. The main entrance is purposefully designed with an accessible ramp that guides visitors toward the heart of the memorial, symbolizing the welcoming nature of freedom. Adjacent to the monumental structures, Memorial Square serves as a focal point for public events, fostering community engagement and commemorative activities. The Baltic Garden further enhances the visitor experience, integrating native flora to create a serene environment that encourages personal introspection and symbolizes growth.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays an essential role in the architectural narrative, with selections made to convey strength, durability, and connection to nature. Concrete forms the structural backbone of the memorial, representing resilience, while steel elements in the grandstand and exhibition spaces denote modernity. Glass facades invite natural light and symbolize transparency, fostering openness. Additionally, wooden features in the landscape offer warmth and enhance the connection to the site's natural context. This thoughtful integration of materials not only supports the design's aesthetic intent but also reinforces the memorial’s themes of remembrance and cultural identity.

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

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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
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