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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Reflective Memorial Space

Author:
Wendy Zhuo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Reflective Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a harmonious columbarium that integrates gracefully with its forest environment, serving as a tranquil space for remembrance and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used to enhance durability while providing a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the primary structural and finish elements, promoting sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal light penetration and connection with the surrounding environment.
04
Vertical wooden columns replicate tree trunks, reinforcing the integration with the forest landscape.
05
Transitional spaces between niches encourage fluid movement and contemplation for visitors.
The project "Arboreal Continuity: Columbarium-Chamber of Memories" is a columbarium designed to facilitate both remembrance and reflection in a serene and natural environment. It operates as a space dedicated to the storage of cremated remains, integrating the principles of architecture with the surrounding forest landscape to create a contemplative atmosphere. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between man-made structures and natural elements, appropriating materials and forms that echo the tranquility of nature.

The columbarium features vertical wooden columns that mimic tree trunks, establishing a connection to the forest while providing structural support. These elements contribute both aesthetic and functional qualities to the design, creating an inviting ambiance for visitors. The use of glass in the façade allows for soft, diffused light to penetrate the interior, reinforcing the calming experience of the space. Concrete serves as a substructure, anchoring the building to the site and ensuring stability.

The project embodies a unique integration of natural and architectural motifs, encouraging individuals to engage with their memories in a manner that is both personal and collective. Instead of merely serving as a storage facility, this columbarium becomes a part of the broader forest ecosystem, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death. The layout is carefully crafted to provide transitional spaces that vary in scale, offering intimate niches for solitary remembrance and larger areas for communal reflection.

Unique Design Approaches
The innovative use of verticality within the design distinguishes this columbarium from other memorial structures. By utilizing wooden columns that extend upward, the design draws the eye to the treetops, creating a visual connection between the building and the forest canopy. This approach facilitates an immersive experience, transforming the act of remembrance into one that is intertwined with nature.

Furthermore, the columbarium’s layout encourages fluid movement through the space, guiding visitors along pathways that promote contemplation. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through strategically placed openings and surfaces, enhances the emotional depth of the environment. This focus on sensory experience is a critical component of the design, aligning with the intended function as a place of memorialization.

Interconnection with Nature
The strategic positioning of the columbarium within its natural surroundings signifies a commitment to preserving the environment while providing a meaningful space for reflection. The careful selection of materials like wood, glass, and concrete highlights sustainability principles, ensuring that the building resonates with its context. Each material contributes to the overall atmosphere, from the warmth of the wooden columns to the transparency of the glass elements that allow nature to remain a pivotal presence within the interior.

The project's architectural plans and sections reveal a thoughtful design process, showcasing how each aspect contributes to the function and experience of the space. Exploration of these technical elements is encouraged for those interested in understanding the comprehensive architectural ideas that underpin the columbarium.

For more detailed insights into this project, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other design elements presented, delving deeper into the unique solutions employed in this remarkable columbarium 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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