Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Space Embracing Nature with Concrete and Granite Elements

Author:
Vera Angelico
Circular Space Embracing Nature with Concrete and Granite Elements

Project in-detail

A centrally located fire bowl and porous curved walls highlight the integration of light and nature within a circular structure designed as a memorial, encouraging reflection and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes unity and continuity in the memorial space.
02
Central fire bowl symbolizes the cycle of life with LED lighting.
03
Porous walls enhance natural light and integration with the landscape.
04
Use of concrete and granite offers durability and a sustainable approach.
05
Native plant species are incorporated to create a tranquil environment.

The Columbarium titled "Sacred Eternity" serves as a place for remembrance and reflection on the connections between life and death. Located within a thoughtfully designed landscape, the structure allows visitors to find solace amid their memories. The overall design concept revolves around the idea that life and death are part of a continuous cycle, intertwining human experience with the natural world.

CIRCULAR FORMATIONS

Circular shapes are central to the design, symbolizing unity and continuity. These forms encourage movement and exploration while creating a calm atmosphere. Visitors can navigate the space along winding pathways, which lead them through moments of reflection and remembrance.



ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

Porous curved walls are a key feature of the Columbarium, allowing light to enter the interior spaces. This natural light adds to the feeling of tranquility and openness. The walls do more than just define the areas; they also provide views of the surrounding landscape, helping to connect the structure with its environment.



SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATIONS

The design incorporates four classical elements—air, earth, fire, and water—each symbolizing different aspects of life. A fire bowl, positioned at the center of the layout, serves as a focal point, representing the cycle of existence. The bowl uses LED lighting to simulate a flame, reinforcing a spiritual theme while simplifying maintenance.



MATERIALITY AND LANDSCAPING

Concrete is used for the walls that hold the niches, offering a strong and sustainable choice. Granite has been selected for the memorial shelves, providing a solid surface for displaying the names of those honored. The landscape is designed with native plant species, enhancing the connection to the local environment and promoting a peaceful setting that invites contemplation.



The interplay of light and shadow along the curved walls adds a dynamic quality to the space. Each moment of the day brings new patterns that invite visitors to pause and reflect, enriching the experience of memory within this commemorative environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy