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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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