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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Define A Community Columbarium in An Urban Park

Authors:
Tony Yu, Wen-xin Yeunh, Danny Ngo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Define A Community Columbarium in An Urban Park

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and sustainable concrete, the design creates a serene columbarium that harmoniously integrates public memorial spaces within an urban park, inviting communal healing and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The columbarium incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create a lightweight yet sturdy structure.
03
The design features a bent A-frame that allows for unique spatial experiences and visual connections.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to support sustainable landscaping within the park.
05
Native plants are emphasized throughout the site to promote local biodiversity and ecological harmony.
The project, designed as a modern urban park named [Column]barium Park, represents a thoughtful intervention in the way communities interact with the concepts of grief, remembrance, and nature. Its architecture is skillfully crafted to serve dual purposes: functioning as an inviting public space while simultaneously hosting a columbarium—an innovative solution for memorializing loved ones within a communal context. The design reflects a growing trend towards integrating spaces for mourning within urban environments, aiming to foster a sense of connection not only to the deceased but also among the living.

The primary function of [Column]barium Park is to create a serene environment for reflection, healing, and community interaction. The layout of the park is meticulously organized into various zones that cater to differing needs, allowing visitors to navigate their experiences of loss and remembrance alongside their day-to-day activities. A central feature of the park is the columbarium, designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape while providing intimate niches for personal memorialization. This unique integration emphasizes that the experience of grief can exist within the public sphere, challenging traditional notions of how societies address death and mourning.

In terms of its important architectural components, the park utilizes a combination of natural and durable materials such as wood, concrete, glass, and steel. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the design but also ensure that the structures remain functional and resilient over time. The wood instills warmth in the environment, while concrete is employed to provide robustness, forming pathways and structural elements. Glass is used thoughtfully to allow natural light to filter through, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites contemplation. The steel components, crucial for structural integrity, offer a contrast to the organic materials, highlighting the architectural balance between natural surroundings and human-made forms.

One of the key design approaches of [Column]barium Park lies in its commitment to sustainable practices. The project involves extensive green landscaping, maximizing the integration of native flora to support local ecosystems. The park's design includes rainwater harvesting systems that enhance sustainability while minimizing ecological impact. These efforts not only serve practical purposes but also reiterate the importance of nature in healing processes. Various elevation levels throughout the park create a layered experience for the visitors, encouraging exploration and interaction with both the environment and fellow visitors.

The park's layout is methodically organized into macro-zones and micro-zones. The macro-zones, such as Reforest and Extend, focus on fostering a lush, vibrant landscape that promotes biodiversity and extends the existing ecological networks in the area. The micro-zones emphasize more intimate spaces that facilitate personal reflection and shared community experiences. This carefully considered spatial arrangement encourages visitors to engage with the park in a way that honors their individual journeys, making it a meaningful destination for both remembrance and recreation.

Unifying the concepts of life, death, and community, [Column]barium Park stands out due to its thoughtful design and attention to the complexities of urban life. It underscores the importance of communal mourning while offering an accessible space for healing. As urban centers continue to evolve, integrating memorial aspects within the public sphere invites conversations about grief and remembrance in meaningful and constructive ways. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural aspects of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural ideas, a thorough exploration of the project presentation will provide invaluable insights into the depths of its design and philosophy.
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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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