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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

Project in-detail

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 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
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