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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Reflective Spaces in a Contemporary Chapel

Author:
Lorena Becker
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Reflective Spaces in a Contemporary Chapel

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and integrated natural stone, the contemporary chapel redefines space for reflection and community engagement through its thoughtfully designed multifunctional areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural efficiency and warmth.
03
Incorporates natural stone pathways that seamlessly blend with the landscape.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure, optimizing space and visual dynamics.
05
Includes dedicated community spaces that support workshops and gatherings.

# Analytical Report on Capella Nobis - Chapel of Memory

## Overview
Capella Nobis is situated in a serene natural environment, designed to reframe the traditional role of a cemetery and chapel as spaces for reflection and communal engagement. The project aspires to create a sanctuary that facilitates the processes of grief and remembrance while encouraging community interaction. Through its innovative design, Capella Nobis integrates multifunctional spaces that allow for diverse activities, such as workshops and gatherings, thus redefining perceptions of mourning and memory.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural configuration of Capella Nobis enhances its usability and accessibility. The site plan incorporates inviting pathways, gardens, and seating areas, all designed to promote reflective movement throughout the landscape. Internally, the main hall accommodates various ceremonies with versatile seating arrangements and includes a dedicated kitchen and preparation area, underscoring its multifunctional intent. The cross-section features a lofty ceiling supported by exposed wooden beams, which contributes to an airy atmosphere that elevates the overall emotional experience.

## Materiality and Lighting
The material choices for Capella Nobis are carefully selected to evoke warmth and comfort. Exposed wooden beams provide structural integrity while fostering a timeless quality. Stained glass windows serve not only as aesthetic features but also as narrative elements that allow natural light to create evocative patterns within the space. The external pathways, composed of natural stone, seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment, enhancing the connection between the built and natural realms. The design also emphasizes the use of natural and artificial lighting, with large windows and skylights ensuring a well-lit interior that nurtures an uplifting ambiance, complemented by artistic lighting fixtures that add character to ceremonial events.

## Community and Sensory Engagement
Beyond its architectural elements, Capella Nobis emphasizes community integration through its design. The inclusion of communal spaces fosters ongoing interactions and creates a supportive environment for visitors experiencing loss. The sensory quality of the chapel is enhanced through carefully selected materials that engage touch, alongside natural sounds from landscaped areas, all contributing to an immersive experience. The flexible design allows the space to accommodate a variety of ceremonies, thus reinforcing the adaptive use of the chapel and broadening its functional scope.

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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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