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Circular Columbarium with White Concrete in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Zinan Xiong, Lanhao Liao, Jingyi Wang, Meijun Lin
Circular Columbarium with White Concrete in a Forest Setting
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Set within a serene forest, the circular columbarium built with white concrete offers an intimate space for reflection and remembrance, seamlessly integrating nature and honoring the memory of the deceased.
5 key facts about this project
01
The columbarium features approximately 500 niches arranged in five layered sections.
02
The structure is entirely underground, enhancing privacy and intimacy for visitors.
03
A circular design promotes a sense of unity and continuity throughout the memorial space.
04
Visitors navigate through a narrow pathway that transitions into the underground realm.
05
The use of white concrete creates a distinct visual identity amidst the natural setting.

"The Ring for Memorial" aims to establish a reflective space devoted to honoring the deceased while enhancing the experiences of those who visit. Located in a wooded setting filled with tall trees and nearby traditional cemeteries, the design addresses the relationship between life and death. The concept focuses on creating an inviting environment that promotes reflection, remembrance, and connection with nature.

Design Idea

The design includes a circular layout for the columbarium, which strengthens the sense of unity among its components. This arrangement encourages meaningful interaction with the memorial space. It serves as a symbol of life’s continuity and collective memory. Each element is purposely placed to help visitors think about their connections to those who have passed away.

Underground Experience

The main structure is positioned underground to limit its visibility above ground. This choice enhances privacy and creates an intimate setting that invites quiet contemplation. Within this space, gentle lighting contributes to a calming atmosphere where visitors can reflect and find peace. A dark, narrow pathway leads into the underground area, signaling entry into a serene environment. This transition supports the memorial's purpose as a place for introspection and remembrance.

Columbarium Wall

The wall of niches includes about 500 spaces organized into five layers. This setup ensures that each niche is accessible and visible. The design connects the two ends of the wall in a continuous form, creating a prominent landmark on the grounds. This layout encourages exploration, allowing visitors to engage with the memorial as they walk through it. Each niche serves as a personal connection point, promoting individual reflection alongside communal memory.

Color and Feel

White concrete features prominently in the design, giving the memorial a distinctive visual identity. This material interacts with the surrounding natural elements, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. The way light falls on the white surfaces enhances the overall feel of the space, allowing a blend of serenity and respect. Visitors experience different moods as sunlight shifts throughout the day.

Every aspect of "The Ring for Memorial" focuses on the connection between the living and the dead. It blends nature and architecture to create a setting that supports personal reflection. The design seeks to make every visit a journey into contemplation, allowing individuals to remember and honor those who have passed.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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