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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade in a Memorial for Collective Unity

Author:
IOSU GABILONDO ALTUNA
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade in a Memorial for Collective Unity

Project in-detail

Utilizing a facade of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass, the memorial embodies the spirit of collective unity while serving as a multifunctional space for community reflection and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, creating a dynamic silhouette that symbolizes movement.
02
Features a combination of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass to enhance transparency and reflection.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and environmental efficiency.
04
Integrates outdoor spaces that interact with the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection to nature.
05
Functions as both a memorial and community hub, encouraging engagement through its design and layout.

### Project Overview
The Baltic Way Memorial is located along the 11th November Embankment and commemorates the Baltic Way protest of 1989, during which approximately two million people formed a human chain of 600 kilometers in support of independence from Soviet rule. The architectural design seeks to embody the significance of this historical event while providing functional spaces for community engagement and reflection.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The memorial is organized into two distinct zones: a café and a souvenir shop, both of which can accommodate exhibitions. This deliberate spatial arrangement enhances visitor interaction with the memorial, allowing for a fluid experience as individuals move between areas. Ramps and open spaces guide circulation, promoting an exploratory journey through both historical narratives and modern community functions.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Expression
A variety of materials have been selected to fulfill both structural and symbolic roles. Glass is prominently utilized to foster transparency and natural illumination, reflecting openness in the memorial’s intent. Concrete serves as a robust framework, signifying strength and permanence, while steel contributes to the modern aesthetic and structural integrity. The thoughtful combination of these materials not only meets technical requirements but also evokes an emotional connection to the memorial's themes of resilience and unity.

The structure’s flowing silhouette mirrors the undulating path of the Baltic Way, employing varying levels to further enhance movement and interpretation. This dynamic form encapsulates the essence of the human chain, allowing for personal reflection on concepts of freedom and togetherness. The design also prioritizes landscape integration, incorporating green elements that enrich the visitor experience and support the memorial’s historical narrative.

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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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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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