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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Reflective Spaces in Memorial Design

Author:
Davide Costa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Reflective Spaces in Memorial Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this memorial design emphasizes reflective spaces and a connection to nature, providing a serene environment for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates living green walls, enhancing biodiversity within the structure.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features custom niches that allow families to personalize memorial spaces.
04
Integrates natural light through extensive glass panels to foster an uplifting atmosphere.
05
Designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring inclusive access to all areas.

The Colombian Columbaria project represents a thoughtful approach to architectural design focused on memorialization and community engagement. Located in a natural landscape, the columbarium serves a dual function of honoring the deceased and providing a serene space for the living. The design seeks to balance the starkness traditionally associated with such facilities through an integration of natural elements and user-centered spaces.

Spatial Organization and Functional Areas

The layout features a central open courtyard that extends as a transition area, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between public and private spaces. The ground floor accommodates various niches for urns, designed to be customizable and personal, enabling families to create meaningful memorializations. Vertical elements throughout the structure foster an upward motion, both visually and conceptually, embodying the theme of remembrance and ascent.

Upper levels offer expansive gathering spaces, providing both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Balconies overlook the natural surroundings, facilitating a connection to the landscape. The careful consideration of accessibility ensures that all visitors can engage with every part of the columbarium.

Material Choices and Design Language

Materials selected for the project include reinforced concrete for structural stability, complemented by warm wood finishes that add a comforting touch. Glass elements serve to merge indoor and outdoor environments, maximizing natural light and reducing the barrier between personal memorials and nature. These material choices reflect a commitment to durability and an aesthetic that resonates with themes of life cycle and memory.

The innovative decision to incorporate living green walls introduces organic elements that enhance the atmosphere while promoting biodiversity. This blend of natural and man-made surfaces emphasizes the connection to the surrounding landscape and aligns with contemporary practices in sustainable architecture.

Emphasis on Experience and Integration

The columbarium's design is distinguished by its sensitivity to emotional experiences. The integration of gardens and contemplative spaces encourages visitors to reflect quietly, promoting a sense of peace. Strategic placement of lighting enhances the building’s features and creates a warm, inviting ambiance, particularly in areas designated for remembrance.

The project also includes advanced security systems, which are discreetly integrated to ensure the safety of visitors without detracting from the aesthetic values of the architectural design.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and intricate design elements of the Colombian Columbaria project, explore the comprehensive project documentation available. This resource offers a detailed view of the architectural ideas behind the design and its unique contributions to memorial architecture.

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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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