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Charred Wooden Shingles and Granite Enhance Contemplative Spaces in a Forest Cemetery

Authors:
Christian Maijstre, Julie van Zinnicq Bergmann
Charred Wooden Shingles and Granite Enhance Contemplative Spaces in a Forest Cemetery

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and granite, the design creates a reflective environment within a forest cemetery, fostering deep contemplation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and integration with the forest.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
03
Offers a series of interconnected pathways designed to guide visitors through a reflective experience.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to create open, light-filled spaces that connect with the surrounding environment.
05
Preserves existing trees within the site, blending architectural elements with nature to foster tranquility.
"The Space Between" is an architectural design project located within a forest cemetery in Riga, Latvia. The project addresses the interplay between architecture and nature, focusing on providing a contemplative environment intended for reflection and remembrance. The design emphasizes the journey through various spaces, encouraging visitors to engage meaningfully with their surroundings and their memories.

The project integrates structures designed to promote a sense of tranquility, utilizing natural materials that resonate with the existing landscape. The use of wood, granite, glass, and concrete represents a thoughtful selection intended to bridge the gap between built form and the natural world. These materials provide both aesthetic and functional attributes that enhance the overall experience.

Design Considerations and Unique Approaches

The project's primary function is to serve as a memorial space that facilitates personal reflection and connection to the deceased. The layout consists of distinct areas that create a sequence of experiences, allowing visitors to transition through different emotional states as they move through the site. This fluidity is further enhanced by the designed pathways, which guide users through various zones of contemplation.

A notable characteristic of the project is its commitment to preserving the surrounding forest. The architecture incorporates existing trees and natural features, allowing the design to coexist with nature rather than imposing upon it. This integration reflects a broader awareness of ecological sustainability, which is a key consideration in contemporary architecture. The design also adapts to seasonal changes, providing varying atmospheres that influence visitors' experiences throughout the year.

Spatial Organization and Architectural Elements

The project features several key areas, each serving specific functions while contributing to the overall narrative of the space. The entry point serves as a threshold, marking the transition from the external environment to a more introspective setting. The "Space Between the Sequence" allows visitors to explore pathways designed for reflection, while the "Space Between the Wall" provides moments of contemplation through enclosed yet transparent environments. Each zone is designed to encourage pause and observation, enhancing the emotional resonance of the experience.

Large windows throughout the structures enhance interaction with the landscape, drawing natural light into the spaces and creating visual connections to the surrounding forest. This aspect of design fosters a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior, reinforcing the project's themes of connection and remembrance.

The harmony between textural materials and the thoughtful arrangement of spaces sets “The Space Between” apart from typical architectural projects. This design prioritizes an immersive experience that both respects and incorporates the natural environment, inviting visitors to engage with their emotions and memories in a serene setting.

For further exploration of this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, readers are encouraged to dive deeper into the project presentation for comprehensive insights and visual representations of the design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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