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Circular Columbarium with Textured Concrete and Ash Finishes for Communal Reflection

Authors:
Brittain Allison, Jon Oberheim
Circular Columbarium with Textured Concrete and Ash Finishes for Communal Reflection

Project in-detail

With circular urn niches crafted from textured concrete and infused with ash, the columbarium facilitates communal reflection and personal solace for those navigating the complexities of grief.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes inclusivity and allows for equal access to remembrance spaces.
02
Textured concrete exteriors integrate ash to symbolize the cycle of life and memory.
03
Ramped access creates a journey, inviting visitors into a reflective environment.
04
Individual urn niches are seamlessly integrated into communal seating arrangements.
05
A central beacon serves as a focal point for hope and contemplation within the space.

The architectural project titled "The Story of Death" presents a thoughtful and mindful exploration of themes surrounding life, grief, and remembrance. At its core, this project features a columbarium designed to serve as both a functional space for storing urns and a reflective environment for visitors experiencing loss. The architecture is characterized by its circular form, which symbolizes unity and inclusivity, offering a unique approach to how individuals interact with their experiences of mourning.

The central feature of the columbarium is its ramped entrance, which guides visitors into the heart of the structure. This design element signifies a journey, encouraging engagement and introspection as individuals move from the outside world into a contemplative space. The layout prioritizes both communal and private areas, allowing for a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can find solace in individual niches or gather with others to share their grief.

The project employs a diverse palette of materials that serve functional and symbolic purposes. Concrete, used for the structural elements, signifies permanence and stability. Ash integrates a direct connection to the themes of death and memory. Wood provides warmth and a natural contrast to the more rigid concrete, creating a balance within the architectural composition. Charcoal, as utilized in the design representations, conveys an elemental quality linking to the human experiences of loss.

Functionally, the columbarium houses individual niches where urns can be placed, facilitating the respectful memorialization of the deceased. The seating arrangements around the perimeter foster communal gatherings, promoting conversation and shared experiences among mourners. The incorporation of a central beacon offers a focal point, symbolizing hope and illumination amidst sorrow.

Innovative in its design approach, "The Story of Death" focuses on the emotional aspects of mourning rather than merely functioning as a space for storage. The circular layout enables equal visibility and access to all parts of the columbarium, fostering a sense of belonging among visitors. This design recognizes the complexity of grief, blending opportunities for solitude with communal support, a significant divergence from standard memorial structures that often segregate these experiences.

By analyzing the architectural plans and sections, one can gain a deeper understanding of how spatial organization contributes to the overall experience within the columbarium. The integration of materiality with form highlights the project’s commitment to honoring both the living and the deceased.

For a comprehensive visual understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that underscore the thoughtful intentions behind "The Story of Death." Each element of the design holds significance and offers insights into the project's unique narrative of remembrance and reflection.

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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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