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Circular Reflections Enhanced by Natural Light and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Cemetery Setting

Author:
Ian Mark Shaw
Circular Reflections Enhanced by Natural Light and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Cemetery Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and designed with a circular layout that invites natural light, the chapel serves as a tranquil space for reflection within the cemetery grounds.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a circular layout to enhance community engagement during services.
02
Features strategically placed openings that maximize natural light throughout the day.
03
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic and durability.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for improved sustainability and efficiency.
05
Integrates a bent A-frame design to create visually dynamic interior spaces.

### Chapel of Rest - North Cemetery Wiesbaden

The Chapel of Rest at the North Cemetery in Wiesbaden, Germany, serves as a contemplative space designed for mourning and reflection within a sensitive landscape of cemetery pathways. The project emphasizes a harmonious integration with its surroundings, offering an inviting and tranquil environment for visitors. The architectural intent centers on accessibility and intimacy, providing a setting where individuals can engage in personal reflection while connecting with nature through carefully considered design elements.

#### Spatial Configuration and Experience

The circular form of the chapel establishes a non-hierarchical arrangement that fosters inclusivity among users. The interior layout features semisircular seating oriented towards an altar, which encourages a sense of community during remembrance ceremonies. A prominent overhead circular aperture allows for the diffusion of natural light, creating a dynamic and ethereal atmosphere conducive to spiritual experiences. Adjacent functional spaces, including staff areas and storage for ceremonial items, support the overall efficiency of the layout, enhancing accessibility and circulation throughout the chapel.

#### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality is central to the design narrative, with careful selections reflecting themes of warmth and integration. The interior walls utilize wood to create a tactile and inviting ambiance, enhancing the emotional connection to the space. Glass is incorporated into openings and windows, facilitating the flow of natural light and bridging the indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete serves as the foundation, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining a subdued presence that allows other materials to take precedence in the visual experience. The use of rammed earth in the site’s design further roots the chapel within its landscape, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and a deep respect for the cemetery's context. This thoughtful approach underscores the project’s focus on continuity and remembrance, essential aspects in a cemetery setting.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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